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

Example Sentences

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

“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 • Jan. 10, 2026

Like walking through a sparse forest in early autumn, the air sharp with smoke from a campfire, leaves underfoot brittle enough to crack.

From Salon • Aug. 26, 2025

From the footpath that cuts through the grove on the opposite side of the road, she hears the sound of branches being thrust aside, twigs snapping underfoot.

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez