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

Scientists are worried that in the absence of a major outbreak threatening the region, maintenance of the health systems has waned, leaving them unprepared for potential future epidemics.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026
Bain, who played only six snaps in the preseason, looked unprepared and overwhelmed in Week 1.

— Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of unprepared

Adjective

While the Broncos played their hearts out, Michigan looked overconfident and underprepared.

— Austin Meek, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
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

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

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 27 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of flat-footed

adjective

Example Sentences

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