Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for flat-footed. Search instead for caught+flat-footed.
Definitions

flat-footed

ADJECTIVE
off-guard
Synonyms
WEAK
asleep asleep on the job daydreaming inattentive napping spaced out unalert unready unsuspecting unvigilant unwatchful zoned out
ADVERB
off-guard
Synonyms
WEAK
asleep asleep at the switch derelict napping negligent not on the job unalert unguarded unprepared unready unwatchful

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.

Wood dictated the tempo across 12 rounds against a frustrated, flat-footed Warrington.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

Rodriguez said the city is often left flat-footed when encampments pop up on hillsides and property owners don’t help address the issue.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

Unable to trap West Ham with a high press, United were caught flat-footed by an incisive break.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

“And the city got caught flat-footed trying to keep up.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 18, 2026

He was a little doddery and flat-footed, but he walked reasonably well for a man of eighty-eight.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "flat-footed" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com