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Definitions

asleep at the switch

ADJECTIVE
heedless
Synonyms
STRONGEST
inattentive reckless
WEAK
daydreaming disregardful fast and loose feckless foolhardy goofing off impetuous imprudent inadvertent incautious inconsiderate irreflective neglectful negligent oblivious out to lunch precipitate rash slapdash sloppy thoughtless uncaring unmindful unobservant unthinking unwary
Antonyms
WEAK
attentive careful caring cautious concerned heedful observant thoughtful
ADVERB
off-guard
Synonyms
WEAK
asleep 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.

Another administration official insisted that just because they had not announced any public actions, it doesn’t mean they were asleep at the switch.

From Washington Times • May 12, 2022

For eight years, Ike had been asleep at the switch.

From Salon • Mar. 6, 2022

The board members were asleep at the switch — in some cases, they were literally asleep.

From The Verge • Sep. 28, 2021

But, Illán warns, don’t fall asleep at the switch.

From Washington Post • Mar. 25, 2016

I guess he was asleep at the switch, hey?

From Tom Slade with the Colors by Clarity, Thomas