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 Gators found their footing in November, while the Green Wave dropped their final two games with a chance to win the American Athletic Conference crown. —Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Dec. 2024

The political footing is so uncertain right now that anything is really fair game. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024

The Thunder found their footing in the second half, outscoring the Rockets 70-54. —Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 15 Dec. 2024

While it’s not been a stellar period for country groups, certainly since the glory days of bands like Alabama, Restless Heart and others, some outfits were able to achieve a footing in the format. —Jim Asker, Billboard, 13 Dec. 2024

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