underprepared

adjective

un·​der·​pre·​pared ˌən-dər-prə-ˈperd How to pronounce underprepared (audio)
Synonyms of underpreparednext
: inadequately prepared

Examples of underprepared in a Sentence

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.
Yet the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Resilience Pulse Check found that 84% of organizations felt underprepared for future disruptions to their workforce. — Mitch New, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026 Apparently, underprepared hikers have been coming to Eaton Canyon for more than 100 years. — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026 While the Broncos played their hearts out, Michigan looked overconfident and underprepared. — Austin Meek, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026 Their quest is complicated by Hampton Squib, an inexperienced and wildly underprepared adventurer whose dream of heroism far exceeds his abilities. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underprepared

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of underprepared was in 1964

Rhymes for underprepared

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Browse Nearby Words

underpredict
underprepared
underpresence
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Cite this Entry

“Underprepared.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underprepared. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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