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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

underfoot

“Cool Machine” is a modern masterpiece and an ode to New York, no matter that rats skitter and cockroaches scamper underfoot.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026

The streets are also named for these weavers of words, so they’re overhead and underfoot.

From Salon ● Jun. 23, 2026

In “Weren’t for the Wind,” her second top 40 hit, she’s addicted to leaving, trampling promises underfoot in her haste to hit the road.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 13, 2026

For skiers and snowboarders, feeling untracked, fresh powder underfoot goes beyond just being ideal—it’s the whole point, and it’s downright intoxicating.

From Slate ● Apr. 11, 2026

It shimmered in the sunlight, but underfoot my toes squished in the mud, and next to me, Maeve’s fur was matted with it.

From "Nory Ryan’s Song" by Patricia Reilly Giff

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