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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.

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

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

This left officials flat-footed when the numbers began to surge.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 10, 2025

From twenty yards out, he pivoted and quickly took the shot, catching the Fugees’ goalie flat-footed.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John

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