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

• impromptu
• improvised
• improvisational

Examples of unprepared in a Sentence

an obviously unprepared acceptance speech by the surprise winner

Recent Examples on the Web

Mexican administrations have sometimes been unwilling to recognize the problem and at other times are staggered by the scale of violence their justice system is unprepared to address. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 29 July 2025

When Godzilla and pals reappear, the Foot Clan is not only unprepared to stop them, but their current leader, long-time Turtle-hater Shredder, may even be behind the attacks! —Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025

Leading artificial intelligence companies are unprepared for the risks their own models pose, two major reports argued. —Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 23 July 2025

Her job-interview red flag—and how to avoid it On the other hand, Johnson says her biggest job interview red flag is someone who shows up unprepared and doesn’t understand the role or the company. —Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 20 July 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