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

Supporters of the new rules frame them as an accelerator that will mean less low-signal data to process, faster iteration for safety fixes and equal footing for American factories. —Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 2 May 2025

The back end of the Houston bullpen looks like a strength for a club still trying to find its footing. —Tim Britton, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025

But once Boeing finds its footing and is able to navigate consistently both scrutiny and headwinds tied to supply chains, the stock could have a strong growth runway ahead, Harned said. —Brian Evans, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2025

The reforms placed Florida’s legal system on equal footing with most of the country, insurers said. —Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 26 Apr. 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