groundwork

4 definitions • 6 examples

work that is done as a preparation for work that will be done later:

lay the groundwork for The committee will meet today to lay the groundwork for inter-party talks next month.

The groundwork for the book stalled soon after it began.

the first part of building work, in which existing buildings, trees, etc. are removed and the surface of the ground is prepared:

Costing 200 million pounds, groundwork began on the site in February.

Some building projects never get beyond foundation stage because the groundworks swallow the entire budget.

work done in preparation for something that will happen later:

The planning committee will lay the groundwork for the conference.

to do work in preparation for work that will be done later:

The company is laying the groundwork for market development.