Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for flat-footed. Search instead for flat+footed.
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.

Wood dictated the tempo across 12 rounds against a frustrated, flat-footed Warrington.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

Unable to trap West Ham with a high press, United were caught flat-footed by an incisive break.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 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

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

Since the terrible night of the ants, Mother had been creeping her remorse in flat-footed circles around me without ever speaking of it, wearing her guilt like the swollen breasts of a nursing mother.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "flat-footed" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com