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

Derived Forms

• flatfootedly
  adverb
• flatfootedness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of flatfooted

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

Example Sentences

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

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2023

The answers form the broader message Sund delivers, calling out systemic failures that left his agency and the country flatfooted despite clear signs intelligence agencies had received of a gathering storm.

From Washington Post • Jan. 1, 2023

The Coyotes were caught flatfooted by a non-whistle in their last game, a 1-0 loss to Vegas.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 26, 2021

Fall’s wingspan was measured at 8-foot-2 1/4 — yes, he can dunk flatfooted — but he was not an aggressive presence in five-on-five Friday during the final game of the afternoon session.

From Reuters • May 17, 2019

Ramona ran as flatfooted as possible, trying to get the maximum noise out of her open galoshes.

From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger