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Dictionary.com
Definitions

unprepared

ADJECTIVE
not ready
Synonyms
STRONGEST
unaware vulnerable
WEAK
ad-lib caught off guard ill-considered impromptu improvised napping not prepared off the cuff off the top of one's head offhand played by ear spontaneous surprised taken off guard unexpected unplanned unready unrehearsed unschooled unskilled untrained winged

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Charlesworth said the team would have spent that time getting themselves "prepared for the unprepared", as they broke new-ground in human space travel.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

When my parents died, I was prepared for my grief — but I was completely unprepared for the legal and financial ramifications.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

Markets are unprepared for a prolonged conflict, with oil potentially reaching $150 per barrel and U.S. stocks vulnerable.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

Plus, why Gen Z is unprepared for the workplace and the corporate jargon that WSJ readers hate most.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

Having served two tours in Vietnam at the height of the war, he found himself woefully unprepared for the flat pitch of life out of uniform.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer