underfoot

American  

[uhn-der-foot] / ˌʌn dərˈfʊt /

adverb

1. under the foot or feet; on the ground; underneath or below.

   The climb was difficult because there were so many rocks underfoot.

2. so as to form an obstruction, as in walking; in the way.

   the ends of her sash falling constantly underfoot.

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adjective

1. lying under the foot or feet; in a position to be trodden upon.

underfoot British  

/ ˌʌndəˈfʊt /

adverb

1. underneath the feet; on the ground

2. in a position of subjugation or subservience

3. in the way

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Etymology

Origin of underfoot

1150–1200; Middle English underfot (adv.). See under-, foot

Example Sentences

“And she was too tired from the chemo and didn’t want me ‘underfoot,’” she said, making them again.

From Literature

“Do you always have to be underfoot?” she asks.

From Literature

Which is more interesting: the grand sweep of Russian history or the crunching sound of acorns underfoot?

From The Wall Street Journal

“Now, with more stable ground underfoot and a backlog brimming with the next wave of innovators, we’re optimistic that the IPO market will resume its long-awaited pickup in 2026,” Renaissance analysts say.

From Barron's

“Now, with more stable ground underfoot and a backlog brimming with the next wave of innovators, we’re optimistic that the IPO market will resume its long-awaited pickup in 2026,” Renaissance analysts say.

From Barron's