Unprepared
/ˌʌnprɪˈpɛrd/
Definitions
Not ready or adequately equipped for a particular situation or task.
/ˌʌnprɪˈpɛrd/
Not ready or equipped for something
The company was unprepared for the unexpected economic downturn.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're going to a pop quiz, and you didn't study at all. You're unprepared!
👶 For kids: Not ready for something, like if you forget to bring your backpack to school.
More Examples
She felt unprepared for the interview, so she practiced answering common questions.
The country was unprepared for the natural disaster, leading to widespread damage.
How It's Used
"The team was unprepared for the sudden change in strategy."
"Students who are unprepared for the exam often struggle."
"The soldiers were unprepared for the surprise attack."
Idioms & expressions
caught unprepared
To be surprised by something and not ready to deal with it.
"The unexpected news caught the public unprepared."
From 'un-' (not) + 'prepared' (ready). The word evolved as a negation of the state of being prepared, tracing back to Latin 'praeparare' (to prepare).
The term 'unprepared' has consistently been used to express a lack of readiness since the 17th century in various contexts.
Memory tip
Think of a soldier going into battle without armor – unprepared.