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Definitions

off-guard

ADJECTIVE
unprepared
Synonyms
WEAK
asleep asleep on the job daydreaming flat-footed inattentive napping spaced out unalert unready unsuspecting unvigilant unwatchful zoned out
ADVERB
when not paying attention
Synonyms
WEAK
asleep asleep at the switch derelict flat-footed 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.

I'll miss our chats and I'll miss catching him off guard and making him chortle.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

But the accumulated costs over time can balloon to a sum that can catch budget-conscious seniors off guard.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

I loved when a dish caught me off guard.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

But the speed and severity of Iran’s response to the strikes—and the sudden choking off of global oil markets—caught some traders off guard.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

It had been years since the technique had thrown Sierra off guard, but it was still unnerving.

From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older