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war footing

American  

noun

  1. the condition or status of a military force or other organization when operating under a state of war or as if a state of war existed.


Etymology

Origin of war footing

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Russia's economy -- on a war footing for four years -- is struggling due to high inflation, a labour shortage and high borrowing costs.

From Barron's • Jun. 17, 2026

But there are risks to staying on a constant war footing, like failing to turn its tactical gains into a strategic change in Israel’s position.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

But with the entire nation on a war footing, housing construction slowed dramatically, leaving many of the new war workers with nowhere to live.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 10, 2025

Increasingly it feels as if the Russian economy is being placed on a war footing.

From BBC • May 13, 2024

Lockheed was on a war footing, punching out aircraft for the Army Air Corps and the Royal Air Force.

From "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand

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