Word
basement
Phoneticsbase·ment, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbeɪsmənt/
UK/bˈeɪsmənt/
Definitions
01underground floor
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. a floor of a building that is below the level of the ground.
n. the lowest storey of a building, situated wholly or partly below ground level.
日本語:地下室※
“We store our old suitcases and holiday decorations in the basement.”
“The architect designed a reinforced concrete basement to house the building's complex heating and ventilation systems.”
Teaching tip
In British English, 'cellar' is often used for storage areas, while 'basement' usually implies a finished, livable space.
Synonyms
02lowest rank
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Sports Informal
n. the very bottom position in a sports league or competition.
n. the lowest position in a league table or set of competitive standings.
“After losing five games in a row, the team is stuck in the league basement.”
“The club's management is under immense pressure to recruit new talent before they become permanent residents of the division basement.”
Usage
Often used with the definite article 'the'.
Teaching tip
This is a common metaphorical use in sports journalism to describe teams that are failing.
Synonyms
03rock foundation
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the solid rock that lies under layers of soil or softer rock.
n. the solid, typically igneous or metamorphic rock that forms the foundation of a tectonic platform.
“The engineers had to drill deep through the soil to reach the hard basement rock.”
“Geological surveys revealed that the sedimentary basin sits atop a complex basement of ancient metamorphic structures.”
Usage
Often used as a modifier, as in 'basement rock'.
Teaching tip
This is a highly specialized term used in geology and civil engineering.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “basement” in context.
Verb
01. clean out the basement
“We spent the entire weekend trying to clean out the basement to make more space.”
verb + noun
02. languish in the basement
“The team continues to languish in the basement of the league after ten consecutive losses.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
03. damp basement
“The old house had a damp basement that smelled of mold and wet earth.”
adj + noun
04. finished basement
“They converted their finished basement into a comfortable home cinema for the kids.”
adj + noun
Noun
05. basement apartment
“Living in a basement apartment can be dark, but it is often much cheaper than the top floor.”
noun + noun
06. basement flooding
“Heavy rain during the storm caused severe basement flooding across the neighborhood.”
noun + noun
Preposition
07. in the basement
“The heating system is located in the basement of the building.”
prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“Officials said Siddharth’s body was discovered on the home’s first floor, while his mother’s body was found in the basement.” “The result sits somewhere between a tour preview and a basement show, polished but relaxed enough to let a little air in.” Etymology
From base + -ment.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
01. basement battler
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/basement
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0