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But it is based partly on outdated spending and revenue trends, leaving it unprepared to maintain hundreds of millions of dollars in new investments in municipal aid, affordable childcare and social services.

— Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026
The oceans are warming at an alarming pace, bringing far-reaching consequences for which the world is unprepared, according to a report by more than 100 international scientists.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 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

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 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of flat-footed

adjective

Example Sentences

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