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

• basis
• foundation
• bedrock
• cornerstone

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

With his father struggling to adapt after years abroad in the Middle East, Bobby steps into a guiding role, helping Hank find his footing in a world that has evolved well beyond his comfort zone. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 14 July 2025

Quigley joined the Sky in 2013 after struggling to find her footing in her first five years in the league. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025

Flagg will have to bulk up and find his footing against NBA-level competition, but Dallas’ future has improbably brightened — just a few months ago, fans staged fake funerals outside of home games. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 10 July 2025

Norris, known for his generosity, helped Calvin find his footing in the Main Prison. —Literary Hub july 8, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025

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

Rhymes for footing

• inputting
• 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