Standard Lemma guide

underpinning

noun · verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • CMU ARPABET: AH1 N D ER0 P IH2 N IH0 NG Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A support or foundation, especially as a structure of masonry that supports a wall.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • This house's underpinning is not up to standard.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A basis for something.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

Examples

  • I would like to know more about the underpinning of this political theory.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

The lower body or legs.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, humorous

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

present participle and gerund of underpin

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: form-of, gerund, participle, present

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: soubassement — a support or foundation of a structure
  • German: Untermauerung — a support or foundation of a structure
  • Polish: podmurówka — a support or foundation of a structure
Real reading context

underpinning in complete knowledge articles