ground-breaking

comparative more ground-breaking · superlative most ground-breaking

1. idiomaticinnovative, different than other things of its type.

   ground-breaking technology

   1 more example

   There were papers such as John Aspinall's presidential address about his ground-breaking work on railway electrification in 1909 [...].

   2019 November 20, Philip Haigh, “A prestigious institution”, in Rail, page 69

plural ground-breakings

1. A ceremony marking the commencement of construction of a road, bridge, or building.

   Union executives are available for ceremonial celebrations of growth (ribbon cuttings, announcements of government contracts, urban redevelopment ground breakings).

   2007, John R. Logan, Harvey Luskin Molotch, Harvey Molotch, Urban Fortunes: The Political Economy of Place, page 81

   3 more examples

   I HAVE had a hand in numerous ground breakings and ribbon cuttings, but never before have I approached one with the eagerness and enthusiasm that I possess for today's ceremony.

   1960 August 2, Bert T. Combs, “GROUND BREAKING FOR KENTUCKY POWER COMPANY PLANT Louisa”, in George W. Robinson, editor, The Public Papers of Governor Bert T. Combs: 1959–1963, published 2014, page 118

   At anniversaries and graduations, ground breakings and inaugurations — the various community occasions when achievements are recognized and ventures launched […]

   1997, Eugene H. Peterson, Jim Lyster, John Sharon, Subversive Spirituality, page 149

   A ground-breaking ceremony took place on September 15 with representatives from GA and contractor Walker Construction, as well as Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois (Conservative).

   2025 October 1, “News: Wickford station work starts”, in RAIL, number 1045, page 11