footing

American  

[foot-ing] / ˈfʊt ɪŋ /

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; surface to stand on; foothold.

5. a firm placing of the feet; 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.

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footing British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of footing

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

Explanation

Your footing is a supportive place to put your feet when you climb or balance. Once you find your footing at the top of a mountain, you can look around and enjoy the view. Your literal footing is what keeps you sturdy, and if you lose that footing, you stumble. Figuratively, your footing is your status or position, especially when compared to other people. So if every student in your class is on an equal footing, it means your teacher gives them all the same amount of attention and treats them fairly.

Example Sentences

The DfE said it had "taken action to put the sector on a secure financial footing", by raising the maximum cap on tuition fees and refocusing the Office for Students to support universities' financial stability.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

Apple CEO Tim Cook is leaving the job with iPhone sales on solid footing and growth in profit margin despite supply shortages that have raised component prices.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

The U.S. economy entered the year on a steady, albeit weaker, footing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

You and your husband probably started out on an equal footing.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

Halfway there, he lost his footing and skidded the rest of the way.

From "Pax" by Sara Pennypacker

Related Words

• foothold