Word
unprepared
Phoneticsun·pre·pared, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌənpɹiˈpɛɹd/
UK/ʌnpɹɪpˈeəd/
Definition
adj. not ready for something that is about to happen. You feel this way when you haven't done the work or planning needed for a task.
adj. not ready or equipped to deal with a particular situation or task. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'feel', 'seem', or 'appear'.
Examples
“I felt completely unprepared for the difficult exam.”
“The small coastal town was caught unprepared when the storm suddenly changed direction and intensified.”
“Entering the negotiations unprepared can lead to significant concessions that undermine the long-term viability of the partnership.”
Examples
simple
“I felt completely unprepared for the difficult exam.”
contextual
“The small coastal town was caught unprepared when the storm suddenly changed direction and intensified.”
complex
“Entering the negotiations unprepared can lead to significant concessions that undermine the long-term viability of the partnership.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'for' or a to-infinitive.
Pitfall
I am unprepared of the test
I am unprepared for the test
The adjective 'unprepared' collocations with 'for', not 'of'.
Real-World Examples
“The Australians were woefully unprepared for the breakout, despite receiving a warning that June from a Korean prisoner who’d overheard whispers of impending unrest.” “They said this had left ministers locked in an unenviable task of persuading unprepared voters to cut welfare spending to fund defence.” Etymology
From un- + prepared.
From unprepare + -ed.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/unprepared