unprepared

adjective

un·​pre·​pared ˌən-pri-ˈperd How to pronounce unprepared (audio)
Synonyms of unpreparednext
: 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
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.
But, as has been widely discussed, putting US boots on the ground would carry enormous risks, not least because possible ground operations have been telegraphed by Washington for weeks, while apparently unprepared US forces scattered across the world have been slowly amassed. Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026 Rosa and Menning were obviously unprepared for this line of questioning. Gaby Del Valle, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 This shift matters in a country where most people remain unprepared. Essence, 22 Mar. 2026 Somehow, President Businessman and his White House staffers were caught unprepared by the surge in oil prices. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 22 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unprepared

Word History

First Known Use

1528, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unprepared was in 1528

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Cite this Entry

“Unprepared.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unprepared. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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