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.
Math and science faculty said first-year students were arriving at UC classrooms unprepared and many needed to learn middle school math concepts. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 And so the world’s least qualified transportation team rolls up to Sheridan’s parents’ mansion in Mark’s beat-up red sedan, completely unprepared for the ride of their lives. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026 Ariah’s unexpected arrival left Ross and Bellamy feeling slightly unprepared for their daughter. — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026 Caught unprepared for chemical warfare and lacking standard-issue gas masks, Allied soldiers improvised by covering their mouths and noses with handkerchiefs or pieces of cloth drenched in water or urine. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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