footing

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

Synonyms of footing

• 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

You, who might be holding a little too much, trying to find your footing, hoping for something more. —Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025

What ultimately made our list were options that prioritized function (including essential qualities like ergonomic designs for back support and adjustable heights to get your footing), while being streamlined enough to blend in with a stylish workspace. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 12 Nov. 2025

That arrangement soon fell through, leaving them homeless until his father eventually found his footing and an apartment in Bowie, Maryland. —Alexandra Kirkman, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025

The state of the ceasefire has always been on rocky footing, especially after one was already in place from January to March before the truce was broken. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 12 Nov. 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