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.

But her flat-footed handling of the huge fires that tore through the city in January 2025 left her in trouble.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

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

From BBC • Feb. 21, 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