footing

noun

foot·​ing ˈfu̇-tiŋ 

1

: a stable position or placing of the feet

lost his footing and fell

2

: a surface or its condition with respect to one walking or running on it

Be careful—the footing is slippery there.

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

put the business on a firm financial footing

6

: terms of social intercourse

neighbors on a friendly footing

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 of footing

• basis
• foundation
• bedrock
• cornerstone

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 Tokyo American Club in Azabudai, Ginza Sapphire Lounge, and Roppongi’s Le Club de Tokyo have found solid footing among Tokyo’s face-time-matters, business networking set. —Terry Ward, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026

When it's all said and done, words don't matter; only results do, and Scheffler hasn't managed to find a consistent footing during past Ryder Cups while putting together a record of 3-6-3 in his 12 matches. —Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026

Securing the option now allows for more site flexibility — as well as a firmer footing — as Boise Auditorium District plans for the new land. —Mark Dee april 29, Idaho Statesman, 29 Apr. 2026

Looking back on her tenure, Curl said Richmond has made tremendous progress building up its fiscal stability after years of rocky footing. —Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 26 Apr. 2026

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