footing

[ foot-ing ]

noun

1. the basis or foundation on which anything is established.
2. the act of one who moves on foot, as in walking or dancing.
3. a secure and established position.
4. a place or support for the feet; foot; surface to stand on; foothold.
5. a firm placing of the feet; foot; stability:

   He regained his footing.

6. Building Trades, Civil Engineering. the part of a foundation bearing directly upon the earth.
7. position or status assigned to a person, group, etc., in estimation or treatment.
8. mutual standing; reciprocal relation:

   to be on a friendly footing with someone.

9. entrance into a new position or relationship:

   to gain a footing in society.

10. a fee demanded from a person upon entrance into a trade, society, etc.
11. the act of adding a foot to something, as to a stocking.
12. that which is added as a foot.
13. the act of adding up a column of figures.
14. the total of such a column.

footing

/ ˈfʊtɪŋ /

noun

1. the basis or foundation on which something is established

   the business was on a secure footing

2. the relationship or status existing between two persons, groups, etc

   the two countries were on a friendly footing

3. a secure grip by or for the feet
4. the lower part of a foundation of a column, wall, building, etc
5. 1. the act of adding a column of figures
   2. the total obtained
6. rare.
   a fee paid upon entrance into a craft, society, etc, or such an entrance itself

Word History and Origins

Origin of footing¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; foot, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Reeves said the changes would raise £25bn a year and were necessary to put the public finances on a "firm footing".

From BBC

The aim of the review is to put the Post Office on a firmer financial footing.

From BBC

The team fully found its footing midway through the third quarter, LeBron James barreling in transition, Anthony Davis anchoring the defense and Austin Reaves slashing through the paint.

From Los Angeles Times

The chancellor has previously said that she was not immune to "criticism" over the move, but has argued that it will put public finances on a "firm footing".

From BBC

The government hopes that increasing tuition fees will put universities on a "firmer financial footing".

From BBC

Related Words

• foothold