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Showing results for off-guard. Search instead for off-guard/adverb.
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 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

Russell's quick restart caught them off guard with the ball bouncing backwards into the grateful arms of Darcy Graham who went over for the try.

From Barron's • Feb. 21, 2026

I was too far away to hear them crashing through the brush, so their sudden appearance near the stream’s edge almost caught me off guard.

From "Z for Zachariah" by Robert C. O’Brien

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