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

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

From Seattle Times • Aug. 19, 2023

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

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2023

Music director Michelle Do seems to be typing out the score on keyboard, the sound seemingly piped in from a derelict stereo to accompany the flatfooted march of Frolov’s rambling lyrics.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 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

He did manage to get his revenge, and when it came, I was caught flatfooted and forced to leave the University.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss