unprepared

adjective

un·​pre·​pared ˌən-pri-ˈperd How to pronounce unprepared (audio)
Synonyms of unpreparednext
: 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

Synonyms of unprepared

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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.
But Matthew Saul, founder and CEO of wealth advisory firm Saul Wealth, told Fortune families that worry their children are unprepared for large fortunes often have not given them enough opportunities to learn. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026 Yandex has run drills for an accident that could incapacitate one of its six data centers, but it was caught unprepared when its three key facilities were hit over four days. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 But Flanagan’s Carrie is also extremely sheltered and unprepared for the harsh realities of high school in the 21st century, in addition to grieving for her father. — ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026 Korpi wanted to leave the experiment because he wasn’t allowed to study for an upcoming graduate school admission test, and was getting worried about being unprepared. — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing unprepared

Rhymes for unprepared

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Browse Nearby Words

unprepare
unprepared
unprepossessed
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Cite this Entry

“Unprepared.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unprepared. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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