unprepared

adjective

un·​pre·​pared ˌən-pri-ˈperd How to pronounce unprepared (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce unprepared (audio)
 also  -ˈperd-nəs
noun

Examples of unprepared in a Sentence

an obviously unprepared acceptance speech by the surprise winner
Recent Examples on the Web Traditional training programs have often been too generalized and slow to adapt, leaving workers unprepared to navigate this evolving landscape. Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 17 Oct. 2024 Another issue that demands urgent attention is the expanding crisis in the home-insurance industry, which turns out to be utterly unprepared for rising sea levels and other products of climate change. John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2024 Longer term residents, after having experienced numerous false alarms and near misses like Irma in 2017, may be similarly unprepared for a direct hit. Terry Spencer, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Oct. 2024 Many across five states were left unprepared for the life-changing destruction as Helene intensified quickly during the week. Callie Patteson, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unprepared 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unprepared.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1528, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unprepared was in 1528

Dictionary Entries Near unprepared

Cite this Entry

“Unprepared.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unprepared. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on unprepared

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!