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

He said he has family members who struggled with drug addiction and homelessness for years before finding their footing, and the city can’t wait years before taking back its streets.

From Los Angeles Times

The prospect of paying more for consumer goods was especially unappealing after years of high inflation, which has led to a persistent feeling among many people that they’re on shaky financial footing.

From Los Angeles Times

Going by these statistics alone, it seems like the U.S. and Europe are on equal footing with food waste issues, in schools at least.

From Salon

The rise was announced in last month's budget, when Chancellor Rachel Reeves said it was needed to "put the public finances on a firm footing".

From BBC

"International education is extremely important, and these reforms are designed to make it better and fairer, and set it up on a more sustainable footing going forward," Clare said.

From BBC

Related Words

• foothold