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; 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.

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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; foot, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

"As schools, workplaces, social programs, churches and civic institutions regained their footing after pandemic disruption, emotional and economic stresses eased and daily routines strengthened," Gelb added.

From BBC

If so, that could help bring down the indicator to less concerning levels—and help put households back on more sound financial footing.

From Barron's

The week has started on a positive footing for precious metals as investors look wary at fresh tariff stress out of the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

As the White House searches for firmer statutory footing, it will face procedural delays, interagency disputes and more pesky legal challenges.

From The Wall Street Journal

But he added he couldn’t dismiss the possibility that the labor market data has pivoted to more solid footing.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• foothold