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

Malinin seemed genuinely unprepared for his stress responses, how the sudden onset of nerves would throw off the delicate chemical balance that underpins performance. —Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2026

Canadian winters are not for the unprepared. —Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026

Other speakers warned that limiting controversial topics would leave students unprepared for careers that require addressing complex political and social issues. —Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 20 Feb. 2026

That knowledge translates directly into negotiating power — and into avoiding the expensive surprises that catch unprepared buyers off guard. —Allison Palmer updated February 19, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 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