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Definition of foothold

foothold

/ˈfʊtˌhoʊld/
foot · hold
Plural:footholds
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foothold Lexical Profile

foothold Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A secure position from which further progress or expansion may be made, such as in a market, industry, or organization.

Example

"The small tech startup struggled for years to gain a foothold in the competitive European market."

2

A place where a person's foot can be securely supported, especially while climbing.

Example

"The climber carefully searched the steep rock face for a solid foothold before moving higher."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for foothold

• Nearby Words

footfall
footgear
foothill
foothold
footie
footing
footless

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 17th century as a compound of the Old English roots 'foot' and 'hold', originally referring literally to secure physical support for the feet before acquiring its figurative sense of a strategic position.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Foothold. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/foothold
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