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

The local emergency response to the July Fourth flooding was heavily scrutinized by the community, who alleged local officials were unprepared for the weather event that ripped the rolling countryside to shreds. —Amanda Jackson, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025

Some communities met the raiders with stones, to the consternation of the slavers, who seemed unprepared to face such opposition. —Literary Hub, 5 Dec. 2025

Retailing for $325, the nine styles will be available Wednesday online at Thorsun’s website or on-site should a guest come unprepared for a dip in the en suite plunge pool. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 1 Dec. 2025

But the continent may still be unprepared for a more belligerent world. —Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 27 Nov. 2025

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