Definition

Not ready or equipped for a situation or event because no preparations have been made.

Example

She felt unprepared for the exam because she hadn't studied.

Conversation

I felt so unprepared for that presentation today.

Really? I thought you did great!

Thanks, but I just didn’t have enough time to practice.

I get that; sometimes things sneak up on you.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unprepared → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "prepared" (from Latin "parare", meaning to make ready). The word "unprepared" means not made ready or not equipped for a situation.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'made ready' ('prepared') — that's why unprepared means not ready.

Visually Confused Words