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

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, 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

I stood waiting, bent forward with my feet apart, flat-footed, till they ended their interminable orations.

From "Grendel" by John Gardner