1
: a stable position or placing of the feet
2
: a surface or its condition with respect to one walking or running on it
especially
: the condition of a racetrack
4
5
: basis
6
: terms of social intercourse
7
: an enlargement at the lower end of a foundation wall, pier, or column to distribute the load
8
: the sum of a column of figures
Synonyms
Examples of footing in a Sentence
He lost his footing and fell down the slope.
Be careful. The footing is slippery there.
Recent Examples on the Web
With his parliamentary majority fractured, Macron has been forced into alliances with opposing parties, a sign of progressivism's fragile footing.
—
Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
At the time, Wolff was regaining her footing after a difficult period.
—Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025
Support is enhanced by a former resistance level from 2021, where UBER has found a footing since its breakout in early 2024.
—Katie Stockton, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2025
Otherwise, the deep tread proved reliable on a range of footings, and the extra insulation would be perfect for sitting out in the cold at a football game, going sledding, or taking shorter winter hikes.
—Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for footing 
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Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
At the time, Wolff was regaining her footing after a difficult period.
—Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025
Support is enhanced by a former resistance level from 2021, where UBER has found a footing since its breakout in early 2024.
—Katie Stockton, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2025
Otherwise, the deep tread proved reliable on a range of footings, and the extra insulation would be perfect for sitting out in the cold at a football game, going sledding, or taking shorter winter hikes.
—Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for footing
Dictionary Entries Near footing
Cite this Entry
“Footing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/footing. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
footing
noun
foot·ing
ˈfu̇t-iŋ 
1
a
: the placing of one's feet in a position to secure a firm or safe stand
b
: a place for the foot to rest securely
2
a
: a place or position providing a base of operations : foothold sense 2
b
: position with respect to one another : status
all started off on an equal footing
c
: basis
put the business on a firm footing
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