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.

Yoon's declaration triggered protests, panicked the stock market and caught key allies like the United States off-guard.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

Tom Lee, head of research at Fundstrat, explained in his ‘Macro Minute’ video update on Wednesday that this is what caught retail investors off-guard.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

On rare occasions, the opposition may deploy a unique defensive tactic from corners and catch the attacking side off-guard, making their preparation ineffective.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026

Throughout the summer, traders increased their leverage to crypto, only to get caught off-guard by the risks from the real-world economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

The question catches him off-guard, and for several seconds he has no idea what to say.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri

off-guard

Example Sentences

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