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

But her flat-footed handling of the huge fires that tore through the city in January 2025 left her in trouble.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

The cinematography, score and editing all stay flat-footed in deference to its lead.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

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

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

The startup was caught flat-footed after the viral release of ChatGPT, which gave OpenAI a giant user base and a lengthy head start on sales.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025

After that she didn't play around with the soldiers any more but only with a few flat-footed, short-sighted young men in town who couldn't get into the army at all.

From " The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

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