FLAT-FOOTED Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

flat-footed

adjective

Definition of flat-footed

as in unprepared

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of flat-footed Despite being an early investor in data centers, the company has been caught flat-footed, being surpassed by not only obvious incumbents like NVIDIA and AMD, but also newcomers like Cerebrus. — Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 May 2026 The cinematography, score and editing all stay flat-footed in deference to its lead. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026 But the person also predicted that some of crypto’s allies in Washington could be caught flat-footed by the banking ramp-up. — Rachel Witkowski, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 2025 Interestingly the Milei administration appeared to have been caught flat-footed by the news. — Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flat-footed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flat-footed

Adjective

Ariah’s unexpected arrival left Ross and Bellamy feeling slightly unprepared for their daughter.

— Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026
Caught unprepared for chemical warfare and lacking standard-issue gas masks, Allied soldiers improvised by covering their mouths and noses with handkerchiefs or pieces of cloth drenched in water or urine.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of unprepared

Adjective

Their quest is complicated by Hampton Squib, an inexperienced and wildly underprepared adventurer whose dream of heroism far exceeds his abilities.

— Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
These scenarios are not science fiction, and the United States is underprepared to handle any of them.

— Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of underprepared

Adjective

Even if maritime regulators demanded shippers purchase more defendable vessels, the crews aboard are unready for the challenge.

— Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Andrews has gone viral multiple times for demystifying how ballroom dancers get ready, and, more specifically, unready.

— Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026

Definition of unready

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flatfoot

flat-footed

flatlet

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“Flat-footed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flat-footed. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of flat-footed

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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