underprepared

adjective

un·​der·​pre·​pared ˌən-dər-prə-ˈperd How to pronounce underprepared (audio)
: inadequately prepared

Examples of underprepared in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Due to hiring freezes, workforce reductions and funding cuts, FEMA has entered the hurricane season understaffed and underprepared. Jade Walker, CNN Money, 11 June 2025 The underprepared resident quietly ushered into independent practice with a strong letter of recommendation? Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 Moody, who until recently served as state attorney general, witnessed the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, which caught southwest Florida underprepared for a last-minute course shift. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 June 2025 And in my experience, most companies are wildly underprepared for it. Jochen Schwenk, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for underprepared

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of underprepared was in 1964

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underprepared.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underprepared. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on underprepared

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!