C1verbformalbusinessacademic
US/ˌʌn.dərˈpɪn/
UK/ˌʌn.dəˈpɪn/
to support something and give it a firm base, so that it can continue or succeed
In context
Strong exports underpin the whole country's economic growth.
Several key principles underpin our company's approach to customer service.
The report argues that trust underpins every successful business relationship.
Words that go with underpin
verb + noun
- underpin growthLow interest rates underpin growth in the housing market.
- underpin the economyTourism and farming underpin the economy of the whole region.
- underpin the systemClear rules must underpin the system if people are going to trust it.
- underpin successTeamwork underpins our success.
adverb + verb
- firmly underpinThe policy is firmly underpinned by research.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The research is underpinned on data.Correct: The research is underpinned by data.