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

The wounds may be deep, but there's hope—perhaps for the first time in a generation—that El Salvador can find its footing. —Natalie Stoclet, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025

While the official figures often draw skepticism, government economists insist that the economy has regained its footing. —Keith Bradsher, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025

Houston is the West’s second-best team right now, and Sacramento has refound its footing after firing Mike Brown. —Chris Branch, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025

After several seasons of struggling to find a footing in the WNBA, Quigley landed a roster spot on her hometown team and never looked back. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 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

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