Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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.

It stands to reason the Fed can’t afford to be caught flat-footed on inflation again.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

Still, when ChatGPT arrived in late 2022, Amazon was caught flat-footed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

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

From BBC • Feb. 21, 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

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