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

Still, when ChatGPT arrived in late 2022, Amazon was caught flat-footed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 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

Caught flat-footed by the success of that video app, then owned by ByteDance, Instagram launched Reels in August 2020.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 1, 2026

They were flat and flat-footed from the beginning, surrendering a 75-yard touchdown pass on Houston’s first possession and a 43-yard touchdown pass on the second.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 27, 2025

Tab jumped experimentally, landing with flat-footed thuds on the stage.

From "Goodbye Stranger" by Rebecca Stead

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.