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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 loved when a dish caught me off guard.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

"We were taken off guard that it seemed to be working on time scales similar to that of silicon photodetectors."

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 2026

The timing and scale of the conflict might have caught many off guard, Ebury’s head of market strategy Matthew Ryan said in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

The curious phenomenon, described by celebrity crisis PR Lauren Beeching as "distinctly British", is largely explained by the fact it feels "off guard".

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

Then, to his surprise, she suddenly lurched forward and kissed him, catching him completely off guard.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

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