# underpin

/ˈəndɝˌpɪn/ (US) · /ˌʌndəpˈɪn/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/underpin
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

to support or hold up an idea, system, or argument — like a strong base holds up a building.

For teachers: to form the foundation or justification for an argument, theory, or system; to support from below, literally or figuratively.

## Examples

- Strong training underpins every good football team.
- The new hospital policy is underpinned by recent research on patient safety.
- The economist argued that cheap credit underpinned the housing boom, masking structural weaknesses that became visible only when interest rates rose.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; frequently used in the passive as 'is underpinned by'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.