underprepared

adjective

un·​der·​pre·​pared ˌən-dər-prə-ˈperd How to pronounce underprepared (audio)
Synonyms of underpreparednext
: 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.
When e-bikes first expanded into backcountry areas, critics warned motorized assistance would bring underprepared users into fragile environments. Kendall Hunter, Outside, 14 Feb. 2026 When academic standards are quietly lowered to accommodate underprepared students, the harm spreads to all graduates. Andrea Mays, Oc Register, 8 Feb. 2026 Climate blind spots increasingly signal governance gaps rather than uncertainty and companies that fail to integrate climate risk into strategy, capital planning and disclosure are underprepared and mispricing risk. Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026 This was closely followed by concerns about supporting underprepared and underperforming students and poverty’s effect on student learning. Robert Mitchell, The Conversation, 12 Nov. 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 22 Feb. 2026.

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!

More from Merriam-Webster