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

“And the city got caught flat-footed trying to keep up.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 18, 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

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

Luka Doncic, who had been fully engaged on the defensive side of the ball, was flat-footed as Anthony Edwards rammed into the paint.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2025

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

From "Grendel" by John Gardner

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