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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of underfoot

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

Example Sentences

“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

“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,” the Renaissance analysts said.

From Barron's