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 in other areas of the country, court systems are unprepared for diverse linguistic needs. —Carol Rose Little, The Conversation, 12 June 2026

In seeking to increase the number of students from certain racial groups, the current UC admissions policy is setting up unprepared students to fail, oftentimes while saddling them with many thousands of dollars in student loan debt. —Adam B. Summers, Oc Register, 11 June 2026

However, Johnson said, police were unprepared to sustain a response on foot as multiple fights broke out in different areas of the festival Saturday night. —Ilana Arougheti june 10, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026

Sunday’s crowd was nearly five times larger, and stadium officials appeared unprepared for the difference. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 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