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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.

He said that KKR isn’t caught off guard by the prospect of AI upending its software investments.

From The Wall Street Journal

I decided to try picturing myself in Colorado, so when Mrs. Pritchard asked me how big a mustard seed was, she caught me off guard.

From Literature

I still knew how to catch her off guard and make her giggle, but it was Togbe who was best at that.

From Literature

The National Symphony Orchestra had commissioned the piece and appeared to be caught off guard by Glass’ announcement.

From Los Angeles Times

The speed of subsequent declines in precious-metals markets stretching from central banks to underground vaults to Wall Street trading desks caught investors off guard.

From The Wall Street Journal

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