unprepared

adjective

un·​pre·​pared ˌən-pri-ˈperd How to pronounce unprepared (audio)
: 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.
Meanwhile, in Valladolid, few new players were added last summer, leaving the team unprepared for this season in La Liga. Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025 On paper, the system seems like a wonderful way to exchange cultures and give young people an opportunity to see the world, but in reality, the process often gives unprepared, barely adults high-stakes responsibilities in foreign contexts. Madeleine Janz, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025 Women are spending tens of thousands of dollars out-of-pocket, often unprepared for costs that weren’t explained upfront. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 21 Apr. 2025 Many of the Chinese memes portray American workers as unprepared for the kinds of jobs that bring products to their homes at cheaper prices. Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2025 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 29 Apr. 2025.

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