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.
There will always be whipping boys at the World Cup, a team who arrive underprepared or in chaos of some description. Nick Miller, New York Times, 13 Nov. 2025 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 What Happens Next In its closing, the committee warns that admitting large numbers of profoundly underprepared students risks harming the very individuals the institution aims to support by setting them up for failure. Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025 Afterall, if new grads are underprepared to enter the workforce, that’s not their fault– that is a systemic issue. Allison Danielsen, Fortune, 26 Oct. 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 20 Dec. 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!