footing

noun

foot·​ing ˈfu̇-tiŋ 

1

: a stable position or placing of the feet

2

: a surface or its condition with respect to one walking or running on it

especially : the condition of a racetrack

3

: the act of moving on foot : step, tread

4

a

: a place or position providing a base of operations : foothold

b

: established position : status

especially : position or rank in relation to others

they all started off on an equal footing

5

: basis

6

: terms of social intercourse

7

: an enlargement at the lower end of a foundation wall, pier, or column to distribute the load

8

: the sum of a column of figures

Synonyms

• base
• basis
• bedrock
• bottom
• cornerstone
• foundation
• ground
• groundwork
• keystone
• root
• underpinning
• warp
• warp and woof

Examples of footing in a Sentence

He lost his footing and fell down the slope.

Be careful. The footing is slippery there.

Recent Examples on the Web

The dynamic has changed, and the equal footing has given Einbinder more leeway to display her range. —Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2024

Russia’s economy chugs along While Gazprom continues to reel from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion, the Russian economy is on comparably healthy footing. —Byryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 6 June 2024

García gained some footing from there, but another hamstring issue derailed any momentum. —Craig Mish, Miami Herald, 4 June 2024

Webster, a guide, was accompanying a young couple up the mountain when one of them lost their footing and all three fell 1,500 to 2,500 feet. —Jason Green, The Mercury News, 23 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing footing

• on an equal footing
• on firm ground/footing
• war footing

Kids Definition

footing

noun

foot·​ing ˈfu̇t-iŋ 

1

a

: the placing of one's feet in a position to secure a firm or safe stand

b

: a place for the foot to rest securely

2

a

: a place or position providing a base of operations : foothold sense 2

b

: position with respect to one another : status

all started off on an equal footing

c

: basis

put the business on a firm footing