footing

1 of 2

noun

foot·​ing ˈfu̇-tiŋ 

1

: a stable position or placing of the feet

lost his footing and fell

2

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

Be careful—the footing is slippery there.

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

put the business on a firm financial footing

6

: terms of social intercourse

neighbors on a friendly footing

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

footing

2 of 2

present participle of foot entry 2

Synonyms of footing

Noun

• basis
• foundation
• bedrock
• cornerstone

Examples of footing in a Sentence

Noun

He lost his footing and fell down the slope.

Be careful. The footing is slippery there.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Next week will bring major risks for a stock market that's trying to find its footing as the AI trade continues to stumble, with several megacap earnings, a Federal Reserve meeting and a key inflation report in store. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026

The Chiefs have beaten a Denver Broncos team that was still finding its footing, the 2-4 Indianapolis Colts, the winless Miami Dolphins, a respectable Raiders squad and the 0-6 Chargers. — Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026

The Max 10's certification represents another milestone in Boeing's efforts to restore its reputation and financial footing after years of safety, quality and production challenges. — Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026

Jacob Rodriguez is clearly gaining his footing as an NFL inside linebacker, so expect his production to consistently improve. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing footing

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

Rhymes for footing

• outputting

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