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 television industry is finding its footing again following the strikes, which resulted in new contracts for the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA. —Moises Mendez Ii, TIME, 17 July 2024

To deliver secure footing on a range of terrain, the Konos TRS OutDry features a proprietary rubber compound that excels on both wet and dry surfaces. —Outside Online, 15 July 2024

Intermediate-term oversold conditions are in place per the weekly stochastics, further increasing the likelihood that DAL finds its footing. —Katie Stockton, CNBC, 15 July 2024

Shell, speaking by phone Monday afternoon, said that a key part of the plan is to solidify Paramount’s financial footing, while not falling into the unhealthy patterns of past regimes: underinvestment in its business and underutilizing its franchises. —Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 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