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 an actor who came up on huge blockbusters like Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean was unprepared for the speed at which the German auteur was prepared to move. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026 But the filmmaker did express concern about Hollywood being unprepared for the new technology. — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2026 Leaders often feel unprepared to support them, impacting talent retention. — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Too often, the forceful arguments of Rankine and her peers—and the electric anger of the George Floyd protests—were used by the opportunistic and aggrieved to justify abrupt changes to unprepared institutions. — Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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