1.
If something is put on a particular footing, it is defined, established, or changed in a particular way, often so that it is able to develop or exist successfully.
The new law will put official corruption on the same legal footing as treason.
= basis
N-UNCOUNT: with supp, usu on N
2.
If you are on a particular kind of footing with someone, you have that kind of relationship with them.
They decided to put their relationship on a more formal footing...
They are now trying to compete on an equal footing.
= basis
N-UNCOUNT: with supp, usu on N
3.
If a country or armed force is on a war footing, it is ready to fight a war.
The president placed the republic on a war footing.
PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v
4.
You refer to your footing when you are referring to your position and how securely your feet are placed on the ground. For example, if you lose your footing, your feet slip and you fall.
He was cautious of his footing, wary of the edge...
He lost his footing and slid into the water.
N-UNCOUNT: poss N