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 Raya remained active on his feet and fully connected to the play rather than becoming flat-footed or falling backwards as the ball travelled through the crowd. — Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 10 May 2026 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 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

Ortiz said Byrd showed up late and unprepared for Ortiz Jara’s June 5 court date, which Byrd disputed.

— Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
And then all of a sudden this inciting event happens, and they’re thrown, unprepared, into this world.

— Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of unprepared

Adjective

Yet the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Resilience Pulse Check found that 84% of organizations felt underprepared for future disruptions to their workforce.

— Mitch New, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026
Apparently, underprepared hikers have been coming to Eaton Canyon for more than 100 years.

— Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of underprepared

Adjective

My trans voice back then was awkward and unready—barely a speech-sound, let alone an expression of agency or a part of some greater whole.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of unready

Browse Nearby Words

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 18 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of flat-footed

adjective

Example Sentences

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