ENGLISH
REFERENCE

footprint

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈfʊtˌpɹɪnt// UK //fˈʊtpɹɪnt// foot·print

n. the mark left by a foot on the ground, or the amount of space or impact something has.

n. the impression left by a foot or shoe on a surface; by extension, the total area occupied by something or the environmental impact of an activity.


SIMPLE

The giant left a large footprint in the mud.

CONTEXTUAL

The company is trying to reduce its carbon footprint by using more solar energy.

COMPLEX

While the physical footprint of the new data center is relatively small, its energy consumption has a significant impact on the local power grid.

Synonyms
Origin

From foot + print.

Usage

Often used metaphorically in environmental contexts ('carbon footprint') or business contexts to describe market presence.

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