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

With many state finances on somewhat shaky footing due to inflation and economic uncertainty – punctuated by political turmoil – pension plan managers must continue to exercise appropriate levels of due diligence even as crypto prices and adoption continue to rise. —Sean Stein Smith, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025

The Heat then regained its footing to enter the fourth quarter with a four-point advantage and extended its lead to eight with 8:42 to play in regulation. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 22 Feb. 2025

Just over a year ago the company appeared to be on solid footing, with multiple high-profile releases planned for 2024. —John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2025

Macario’s goal in the 33rd minute came just as the U.S. was finding its footing on the pitch against Colombia. —Melanie Anzidei, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 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