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

But Matthew Saul, founder and CEO of wealth advisory firm Saul Wealth, told Fortune families that worry their children are unprepared for large fortunes often have not given them enough opportunities to learn.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026
Yandex has run drills for an accident that could incapacitate one of its six data centers, but it was caught unprepared when its three key facilities were hit over four days.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of flat-footed

adjective

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