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Unready Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unready

[ˌʌnˈrɛdi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

state of being not prepared

Not prepared or in a state of readiness; unprepared.

Synonyms

ill-prepared, inexperienced, not ready, unprepared.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unready

Used when something or someone is not in a proper state to begin a task or activity. It implies a lack of preparation and can be used for both literal and figurative situations.

  • He was unready to give his presentation
  • The team was unready for the new project
unprepared

This term means lacking the necessary preparation. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts to emphasize that someone or something has not taken the needed steps to be ready.

  • He was unprepared for the surprise test
  • The team felt unprepared for the meeting
ill-prepared

Implies a more severe lack of preparation, often due to negligence or lack of resources. This term carries a negative connotation and suggests that the inadequacy might lead to failure or major issues.

  • The company was ill-prepared for the economic crisis
  • She felt ill-prepared for the final exam
not ready

A very general term indicating someone or something is not in a suitable condition for a specific task or event. It is a straightforward and neutral expression.

  • She is not ready to leave the hospital
  • The cake is not ready to be served
inexperienced

Used to describe someone who lacks experience or knowledge in a particular field or activity. It focuses on the individual's unfamiliarity rather than their preparedness.

  • He is inexperienced in handling such delicate matters
  • The new recruit is inexperienced with our software

Examples of usage

  • The team was unready for the sudden change in weather.
  • She felt unready to face the challenges ahead.
  • I was unready to give a presentation without proper preparation.
  • The soldiers were unready for the surprise attack.
  • He seemed unready for the responsibility that was thrust upon him.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Being 'unready' can trigger feelings of anxiety, as preparation often helps reduce stress.
  • In decision-making contexts, individuals may feel 'unready' when faced with significant choices or changes.
  • The sense of being 'unready' can influence motivation, as familiarity often leads to increased confidence in tasks.

Literature

  • ‘Unready’ appears in poems to evoke a sense of hesitation or delay in taking action.
  • In Shakespearean plays, characters might express feelings of being 'unready' to confront their fates, deepening emotional tension.
  • Contemporary authors use 'unready' to mirror modern anxieties about expectations and preparedness.

Pop Culture

  • Songs often depict moments where individuals feel 'unready' for love or commitment, highlighting emotional struggles.
  • In movies, characters being 'unready' for challenges adds to comedic or dramatic tension.
  • The term appears in discussions about personal development, where people share experiences of feeling 'unready' for changes in their lives.

Origin of 'unready'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'un-' comes from Old English, meaning 'not', which is used to negate the word it precedes.
  • The word 'ready' has roots in the Old English 'ræde', meaning 'prepared' or 'arranged'.
  • Combining 'un-' with 'ready' creates the opposite meaning, a common way to form antonyms in English.

The word 'unready' has Old English roots, derived from 'unrǣde', which means 'not advised' or 'inexperienced'. Over time, the meaning evolved to reflect a state of being not prepared or ready.

See also: already, readiness.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,870 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.