caught off guard

ADJECTIVE

unprepared

Synonyms

STRONGEST

unaware vulnerable

WEAK

ad-lib ill-considered impromptu improvised napping not prepared off the cuff off the top of one's head offhand played by ear spontaneous surprised taken off guard unexpected unplanned unready unrehearsed unschooled unskilled untrained winged

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Throughout the summer, traders increased their leverage to crypto, only to get caught off-guard by the risks from the real-world economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

Carlos Jose Lañas, a volunteer rescuer, told the BBC that despite preparing for the worst case, they were caught off-guard by the extent of the flooding.

From BBC • Nov. 5, 2025

The area’s water managers, who were caught off-guard by the decision, have said they convinced federal officials to let out less water than originally planned.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2025

Digital Services who was apparently caught off-guard while vacationing in Mexico.

From Salon • Mar. 5, 2025

Joy is a lady of the finest breeding, but she can be caught off-guard at times.

From "And That's How It Was, Officer" by Sholto, Ralph

caught off guard

Example Sentences

Related Words