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

The Royals have worked closely with him to find his footing ahead of his second season. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2026

According to the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, the two climbers, aged 19 and 20, called for help the previous evening after one of them lost his footing and plunged 700 vertical feet down Avalanche Gulch, the major gully on Mount Shasta’s southern flank. —Frederick Dreier, Outside, 10 Mar. 2026

Gradually, her life regained its footing. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 9 Mar. 2026

As the two fought for positioning, Toklomati lost his footing, and Biro landed on the back of his leg with his studs. —David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 7 Mar. 2026

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