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

Last Friday, the U.S. government only just notified domestic importers that the new tariffs would take effect at midnight Monday Eastern time, leaving many importers unprepared. —CNBC, 24 Aug. 2025

Most employees are stepping into the future already unprepared. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025

In fact, many tech leaders have recently expressed concerns that the rising cost of school paired with an outdated curriculum is creating a perfect storm for an unprepared workforce. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2025

Paying more for less Amid the uncertainty, California can’t be caught unprepared if the Texas scheme works. —Mercury News Editorial, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 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