flatfooted

1. Alternative form of flat-footed.Examples: "To those who are younger, perhaps still building a career, I say to you, plan for it! No one should be caught flatfooted by the lengthening of middle age"; "Caught mentally flatfooted, Anne couldn't think of a response. She was guilty as charged. She didn't deserve to defend herself."; "In contrast, as the crisis unfolded, India stood flatfooted, only reacting after the damage was done."USfiguratively

2. Alternative form of flat-footed.Examples: "Proficient drinkers could spill out an ounce, or an ounce and a half, or two, from the neck of a Solo Soda bottle in the dark, measured to the very dram, refill it with corn whisky, turn it upside down with the thumb placed carefully over the bottle's lip—for a good mix, and luck—and drink it down, flatfooted."datedfigurativelyinformal