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

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

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

In the 1960s, American artists began turning their backs on painting and sculpture, turning to a new material of choice: the land underfoot.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 15, 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,” the Renaissance analysts said.

From Barron's ● Jan. 2, 2026

I crush maple leaves underfoot all the way to the wall separating school from the street.

From "Muffled" by Jennifer Gennari