off-guard

ADJECTIVE

unprepared

Synonyms

WEAK

asleep asleep on the job daydreaming flat-footed inattentive napping spaced out unalert unready unsuspecting unvigilant unwatchful zoned out

ADVERB

when not paying attention

Synonyms

WEAK

asleep asleep at the switch derelict flat-footed 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.

Yoon's declaration triggered protests, panicked the stock market and caught key allies like the United States off-guard.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

Tom Lee, head of research at Fundstrat, explained in his ‘Macro Minute’ video update on Wednesday that this is what caught retail investors off-guard.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

Paired with the uncommon nature of the strike, he is able to catch opponents off-guard more often with these goals - drawing comparisons with legendary Brazilian forward Romario, who was famed for his toe-poked finishes.

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2026

Local water managers were caught off-guard by the decision, but they said they convinced Army Corps officials to release less water than originally planned.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2025

That caught me off-guard because the play did have a cafeteria lady, and that was close to being a maid.

From "It All Comes Down to This" by Karen English

off-guard

Example Sentences

Related Words