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

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

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

Caught flat-footed, Google declared its own “code red” that year as it raced to catch up.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 9, 2025

Gomez raced clear of the flat-footed Newcastle defence and fired against the near post.

From Barron's • Nov. 5, 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

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