flatfooted

American  

[flat-foot-id] / ˈflætˈfʊt ɪd /

adjective

1. having flatfeet.

2. taking or showing an uncompromising stand in a matter; firm and explicit.

   a flatfooted denial.

3. clumsy or plodding; maladroit.

   flatfooted writing.

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idioms

1. catch one flatfooted, to catch one unprepared; surprise.

   The amount of the bill caught us flatfooted.

Other Word Forms

• flatfootedly adverb
• flatfootedness noun

Etymology

Origin of flatfooted

First recorded in 1595–1605; flatfoot + -ed ³

Example Sentences

Grabbing rebounds flatfooted, blocking shots and making every shot he took, Mara powered the Bruins to an 85-83 triumph over No. 18 Wisconsin at Pauley Pavilion, ending the Badgers’ seven-game winning streak while announcing that the Bruins could contend with an opponents’ size.

From Los Angeles Times

He could shoot with both hands, touch the ground flatfooted while hanging on the rim.

From Los Angeles Times

"Some want to clear their name and move on. Others hope to catch the prosecution flatfooted and unprepared for trial."

From Salon

Cities have been caught flatfooted as thousands of electric scooters have appeared, almost overnight, on their streets.

From Seattle Times

They didn't have any soles on them and I walked sort of flatfooted and raw.

From Salon