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

The odds of a therapist sharing uncomfortable truths and opening the eyes of the client are often lessened, plus the therapist can lose their footing in terms of properly diagnosing and undertaking suitably neutral therapy. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

The others — most notably Kendall Sheffield, Cam Smith and newcomer Jack Jones — have struggled to find their footing to this point. —Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025

Deckers’ appeal stems from its significant brand momentum and sound financial footing. —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2025

As a result, audiences may struggle to find their footing in the series’ initial episodes. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 1 Aug. 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