# foothold

/ˈfʊtˌhoʊɫd/ (US) · /fˈʊthəʊld/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/foothold
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

a strong or safe position that helps you make more progress in a new area. It can be a physical place for your foot when climbing or a starting point in a new market or job.

For teachers: a secure position from which further progress may be made. Often used metaphorically in business or military contexts to describe an initial stable presence in a new territory.

## Examples

- The company gained a foothold in the European market last year.
- After months of negotiation, the tech startup finally established a small foothold in the competitive Asian electronics sector.
- The infantry struggled to maintain their precarious foothold on the ridge as the weather conditions deteriorated and supply lines became increasingly unreliable.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with the verbs 'gain', 'get', 'establish', or 'maintain'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.