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.
Women are seeking care from specialized platforms precisely because their own physicians are underprepared. Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Current and former Israeli military officials have also acknowledged that Israel was underprepared for the drone threat. Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 28 June 2026 Most of those digging were civilians who took search efforts into their own hands, and tensions peaked over inadequate response from the Venezuelan government, whose soldiers, firefighters, police and military cadets were evidently underprepared to respond to the tragedy. Arkansas Online, 28 June 2026 Tensions peaked over what many Venezuelans viewed as an inadequate response by the government, whose soldiers, firefighters, police and military cadets were evidently underprepared to respond to the scope of the tragedy. Regina Cano Garcia, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Underprepared.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underprepared. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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