losing footing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "losing footing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is losing their stability, confidence, or control in a particular context. Example: "As the debate progressed, he felt he was losing footing against his opponent's strong arguments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Carrying pollinia has been shown to decrease the foraging speed of bumble bees, increase difficulties in foraging (e.g., losing footing and freeing body parts from flowers), and cause movement to new stems more frequently [ 64].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We're losing feet".

The New Yorker

Storekeepers who rent space on the other side of the Venice boardwalk complain that they are losing customers to the sidewalk sellers, or losing foot traffic altogether.

The New York Times

He's not concerned about losing foot traffic either, since the current location on East Fourth Street in Royal Oak doesn't attract many incidental walk-ins.

Huffington Post

In both cases, apparently, a slipped handhold or moment of lost footing was all it took.

The New York Times

But Town's attacks foundered too often on loose crosses or lost footing.

The Guardian - Sport

The story of their lost footing is also the story of something larger — the growing role that education plays in preserving class divisions.

The New York Times

HTC loses footing in the mobile market, corporate jet manufacturers turn to emerging markets and Japan looks underground for alternative energy.

The Economist

We ride the wave of initial excitement into the glide of communion or the crash of lost footing.

Huffington Post

The trio ignored warning signs by climbing a barricade to take a photo, then lost footing on the slippery granite bottom.

Huffington Post

If you do pass out or even begin to get weak, you could lose footing and be crushed under the rest of the crowd.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "losing footing" when describing a literal or figurative loss of stability. It effectively conveys a sense of precariousness.

Common error

Avoid using "losing footing" solely for minor inconveniences. The phrase carries a weight of potential danger or significant setback, so reserve it for situations with meaningful consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "losing footing" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, often used within a clause to describe an action or state of becoming unstable. As evidenced by the provided examples in Ludwig, it can describe both a literal physical instability and a metaphorical loss of control or advantage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "losing footing" is a versatile expression used to describe both physical and metaphorical instability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed. Its communicative purpose is to highlight a precarious situation, whether someone is literally slipping or figuratively experiencing a decline in control or advantage. The register is generally neutral, making it suitable for a variety of contexts, although professional settings might sometimes call for a more precise alternative. The high frequency of its usage in News & Media underscores its relevance in describing real-world events and situations. Related phrases like "slipping up" or "stumbling" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific connotation desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

losing balance

Directly indicates a loss of physical equilibrium, applicable in scenarios where stability is compromised.

losing your grip

Implies a loss of control or influence over a situation or oneself.

slipping up

This alternative suggests a minor error or stumble, often implying a temporary lapse in performance or control.

losing ground

Indicates a decline in progress or advantage compared to others.

stumbling

Focuses on the physical aspect of losing balance, but can also extend to metaphorical situations of faltering.

becoming unstable

Emphasizes a shift towards a less secure or reliable state, whether physically or metaphorically.

falting

Suggests a weakening or decline in strength, performance, or resolve.

on the ropes

Figuratively describes a state of being close to defeat or failure, often after a series of setbacks.

in a precarious position

Highlights the vulnerability and potential danger of a situation.

endangered

Suggests an higher level of risk, a subject at risk of extinction or severe negative consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "losing footing" in a sentence?

You can use "losing footing" to describe both physical and metaphorical situations. For example: "The climber was "losing footing" on the icy slope", or "The company was "losing footing" in the market due to increased competition".

What's a good alternative to "losing footing"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "slipping up", "stumbling", or "losing balance". The best choice depends on whether you're describing a physical fall or a metaphorical loss of stability.

Is it better to say "losing footing" or "losing ground"?

"Losing footing" typically implies a more immediate and precarious situation, suggesting a potential fall or failure. "Losing ground", on the other hand, suggests a gradual decline in progress or advantage. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.

What does it mean to say someone is "losing their footing"?

To say someone is "losing their footing" means they are becoming less stable, either physically or metaphorically. It suggests they are in a vulnerable position and at risk of falling or failing.