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

• ad hoc
• ad-lib
• down and dirty
• extemporaneous
• extemporary
• extempore
• impromptu
• improvisational
• improvised
• off-the-cuff
• offhand
• offhanded
• snap
• spur-of-the-moment
• unconsidered
• unplanned
• unpremeditated
• unrehearsed
• unstudied

Examples of unprepared in a Sentence

an obviously unprepared acceptance speech by the surprise winner

Recent Examples on the Web

Indeed, while undergoing IVF involves a shocking price tag many are unprepared for, the physical and emotional burden cannot be underestimated. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 16 May 2025

Given the majority have an exit plan, that still leaves a substantial portion unprepared for the complexities of selling a business. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 16 May 2025

Many lawmakers have been pushing for reform at the agency since at least 2006, when a bipartisan Congressional investigation concluded that FEMA was unprepared for Hurricane Katrina. —Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025

Three Days in Clamecy Indeed, this sleepy little town was so unprepared for its trickle of summer visitors that there hadn’t been a single rental car available during our visit. —Rachel Howard, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 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