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
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 father struggling to adapt after years abroad in the Middle East, Bobby steps into a guiding role, helping Hank find his footing in a world that has evolved well beyond his comfort zone.
—
Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 14 July 2025
Quigley joined the Sky in 2013 after struggling to find her footing in her first five years in the league.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025
Flagg will have to bulk up and find his footing against NBA-level competition, but Dallas’ future has improbably brightened — just a few months ago, fans staged fake funerals outside of home games.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Norris, known for his generosity, helped Calvin find his footing in the Main Prison.
—Literary Hub
july 8, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for footing
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Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 14 July 2025
Quigley joined the Sky in 2013 after struggling to find her footing in her first five years in the league.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025
Flagg will have to bulk up and find his footing against NBA-level competition, but Dallas’ future has improbably brightened — just a few months ago, fans staged fake funerals outside of home games.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Norris, known for his generosity, helped Calvin find his footing in the Main Prison.
—Literary Hub
july 8, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for footing
Cite this Entry
“Footing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/footing. Accessed 21 Jul. 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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