underpinning
noun
un·der·pin·ning
ˈən-dər-ˌpi-niŋ 
1
: the material and construction (such as a foundation) used for support of a structure
2
3
: underwear
—usually used in plural
4
: a person's legs
—usually used in plural
Examples of underpinning in a Sentence
the underpinnings of the theory have recently been called into question
the underpinnings of the bridge were seriously damaged in the collision
Recent Examples on the Web
His account begins in the Spanish colonial period, when Spaniards and other Europeans debated the philosophical underpinnings of conquest and slavery, setting in motion an ideological battle between humanism and barbarism which, Grandin thinks, continues to this day.
—
The New Yorker, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2025
No Liquidity The Treasury market is generally considered to be the underpinning of all asset classes, since it is used to discount the cash-flows of all assets.
—Vineer Bhansali, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
The ballooning state budget, which is also the Legislature’s responsibility, is the underpinning of Perez’s surprise call to lower the statewide sales tax from 6% to 5.25%, an idea that also needs Senate approval to become law.
—Steve Bousquet, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
For those who want a side of learning with their escapist fare, April offers a trove of new mysteries with literary, musical, and historical underpinnings.
—Yvonne Zipp, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
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The New Yorker, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2025
No Liquidity The Treasury market is generally considered to be the underpinning of all asset classes, since it is used to discount the cash-flows of all assets.
—Vineer Bhansali, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
The ballooning state budget, which is also the Legislature’s responsibility, is the underpinning of Perez’s surprise call to lower the statewide sales tax from 6% to 5.25%, an idea that also needs Senate approval to become law.
—Steve Bousquet, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
For those who want a side of learning with their escapist fare, April offers a trove of new mysteries with literary, musical, and historical underpinnings.
—Yvonne Zipp, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpinning. Accessed 8 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underpinning
noun
un·der·pin·ning
ˈən-dər-ˌpin-iŋ
1
: the foundation used for support of a structure
2
3
: a person's legs
—usually used in plural
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