unprepared

adjective

un·​pre·​pared ˌən-pri-ˈperd 

: not prepared

was unprepared for class

… they were woefully unprepared to take on the responsibilities expected of them.

—Richard M. Ketchum

unpreparedness

ˌən-pri-ˈper-əd-nəs 

also -ˈperd-nəs

noun

Synonyms of unprepared

• impromptu
• improvised
• improvisational

Examples of unprepared in a Sentence

an obviously unprepared acceptance speech by the surprise winner

Recent Examples on the Web

But the Dodgers did not want to be caught unprepared should a sudden injury arise to Rushing. — Katie Woo, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Not only do these caregivers end up feeling unprepared to take on the dual role, but balancing the costs of child care and senior care simultaneously is reshaping nearly every one of their financial decisions. — Medora Lee, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026

The post was originally written in response to a Vox article warning millennials were unprepared for a coming eldercare crisis, and its resurgence this July coincided with the symbolic milestone of the first boomers turning 80. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 31 July 2026

However, too many organizations are unprepared to take advantage of it. — Rochelle Haynes, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1528, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing unprepared

• catch unawares/unprepared/by surprise

Rhymes for unprepared

• aired
• bared
• blared
• caird
• cared
• chaired
• dared
• erred
• fared
• flared
• glared
• haired