sure-footed

adjective

sure-foot·​ed ˈshu̇r-ˈfu̇-təd 

ˈshər-

: not liable to stumble, fall, or err

sure-footedly adverb

sure-footedness noun

Examples of sure-footed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If the category had included Conclave’s Edward Berger, cool-eyed and dramatically sure-footed, this might have been a more interesting race. —Tom Gliatto, People.com, 2 Mar. 2025

The Tiburon Uplands loop trail and adjoining hike through Old St. Hilary’s Preserve offer a great opportunity for sure-footed hikers to get in touch with the wild and rugged natural landscape of the Tiburon Peninsula. —Daniel Bromfield, The Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2025

The 20 Most Beautiful Places In Virginia, According To A Local South Carolina The Carolina Marsh Tacky South Carolina’s heritage state horse, the Marsh Tacky, is a sturdy, sure-footed animal that descended from the horses of 16th century Spanish explorers. —Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2024

This rare moment of hesitation from a man who is usually so sure-footed in the recording studio underscores the paradox of Edgar Barrera: a towering figure in Latin music who is most often behind the scenes. —Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 19 Dec. 2024

But once the drama comes to a head, there is a long journey toward Christmas morning, one in which serial one-on-one conversations come to feel, eventually, like what had been a sure-footed piece of writing is suddenly dithering toward meaning in the midst of human messiness. —Daniel D'addario, Variety, 13 Dec. 2024

The young actors, almost all newcomers, are naturals in a sure-footed movie that is set in the future but fully plugged into global political anxieties of the present. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Sep. 2024

Not just demonstrating proof of concept for the all-wheel-drive platform in a grueling rally setting, the Sport Quattro featured sure-footed capabilities that were quickly adapted to the company’s passenger cars. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2024

Something that’s still safe in inclement weather, but which should feel significantly more sure-footed on loose surfaces. —Wes Siler, Outside Online, 9 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sure-footed

• barefooted
• inputted
• footed

Kids Definition

sure-footed

adjective

sure-foot·​ed

ˈshu̇(ə)r-ˈfu̇t-əd

: not likely to stumble or fall

sure-footedly adverb

sure-footedness noun