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

Though initially aghast at his new owners’ plans to automate factory production, Man-su forgets all about the value of his fellow workers, killing them for the mere chance to regain his corporate footing.

From Salon

Amanda Hopgood, of the Local Government Association, says that would "put councils on a stable financial footing", as well as addressing "outdated legislation that leaves councils facing rising and unsustainable costs".

From BBC

That makes his candor all the more bracing, and refreshing, at a time when Democrats are struggling nationally to regain their footing and find a meaningful way forward.

From Los Angeles Times

It was a powerful speech from a woman who has quickly found her footing in the harshest of spotlights.

From BBC

The campaign group Foxglove has warned that the UK could end up "footing the bill for the colossal amounts of power the giants need".

From BBC

Related Words

• foothold