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footing

noun
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foot·​ing | \ ˈfu̇-tiŋ How to pronounce footing (audio) \

Definition of footing

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
4a : 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 Example Sentences Learn More about footing

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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 Hopefully when today’s volumes are published, women will be on more equal footing. — Washington Post, "Amid the pandemic, a writer finds inspiration in century-old travel stories," 26 June 2020 And without plenty of consumers willing to resume their old patterns of spending, businesses will struggle to regain their footing. — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, "Coronavirus surge in states that rushed to reopen is hurting economic growth," 25 June 2020 Looking to reclaim his footing, Payton unsuccessfully attempts to persuade Georgina to drop out of her race. — EW.com, "The Politician season 2 binge recap," 19 June 2020 After the All-Star break, Pavelski found his footing on offense and started contributing more in the scoring department for Dallas. — Brice Paterik, Dallas News, "Pair of Stars taken in top 10 of NHL.com’s 2003 redraft," 17 June 2020 Military analysts say the reactions by Milley and Esper indicate Pentagon officials are finding their ethical footing. — Michael Collins, USA TODAY, "Trump heads to West Point amid tension with top military brass and a nation whipsawed by racial tension," 13 June 2020 That’s too bad, because when the Bloods are together, the film really finds its footing. — Bill Goodykoontz, Detroit Free Press, "Spike Lee’s ‘Da 5 Bloods’ is righteous and timely," 12 June 2020 Now, after brief stints with the Pelicans and his hometown Bulls, Lemon could be on the verge of finding his footing at the next level. — Connor Letourneau, SFChronicle.com, "Whom could Warriors sign during NBA transaction window?," 12 June 2020 His leg wobbles as Kueng braces against the curb, trying to maintain his footing. — Eliott C. Mclaughlin, CNN, "Three videos piece together the final moments of George Floyd's life," 1 June 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'footing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of footing

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Time Traveler for footing

Time Traveler

The first known use of footing was in the 14th century

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Statistics for footing

Last Updated

3 Jul 2020

Cite this Entry

“Footing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/footing. Accessed 4 Jul. 2020.

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More Definitions for footing

footing

noun
How to pronounce footing (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of footing

: the ability of your feet to stay where you put them as you walk, run, etc.
: the condition of the ground that makes it easy or hard for your feet to stay where you put them as you walk or run
—used to describe the kind of relationship that exists between people, countries, etc. —usually used with on

See the full definition for footing in the English Language Learners Dictionary

footing

noun
foot·​ing | \ ˈfu̇-tiŋ How to pronounce footing (audio) \

Kids Definition of footing

1 : a firm position or placing of the feet I lost my footing and slipped.
2 : foothold
3 : position as compared to others We all started on the same footing.
4 : social relationship We're on a good footing with our neighbors.

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More from Merriam-Webster on footing

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for footing

Spanish Central: Translation of footing

Nglish: Translation of footing for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about footing

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