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Showing results for flat-footed. Search instead for flachbootes.
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.

OpenAI was caught flat-footed after Anthropic released a new version of its coding tool Claude Code last fall, but has since poured more resources into its Codex coding assistant and prioritized sales to business customers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 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

With Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk flat-footed, Wilson scampered onto the through ball and planted a composed finish past Alisson Becker.

From Barron's • Jan. 4, 2026

Another staffer tells me: "There is no fire, no passion, no vision – we are timid and flat-footed."

From BBC • Sep. 27, 2025

Seabiscuit ate up the length of rein, bounding past Special Agent and leaving Woolf and Indian Broom flat-footed.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand