flatfooted
Americanadjective
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having flatfeet.
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taking or showing an uncompromising stand in a matter; firm and explicit.
a flatfooted denial.
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clumsy or plodding; maladroit.
flatfooted writing.
idioms
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of flatfooted
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“The city has been left flatfooted because she wouldn’t lead our conversation. She wouldn’t schedule our items. She set us up for failure,” Rodriguez said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 23, 2026
"Some want to clear their name and move on. Others hope to catch the prosecution flatfooted and unprepared for trial."
From Salon ● Aug. 24, 2023
Cities have been caught flatfooted as thousands of electric scooters have appeared, almost overnight, on their streets.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 19, 2023
Last year was the year the Fed got caught flatfooted by the highest levels of inflation seen in 40 years.
From Reuters ● Jan. 18, 2023
Then suddenly I saw the two women turn and run frantically behind the house, their movements heavy and flatfooted.
From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
