unready
Americanadjective
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not ready; not made ready.
The new stadium is as yet unready for use.
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not in a state of readiness; unprepared.
emotionally unready for success.
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lacking in presence of mind, as when a quick decision or a sharp answer is required.
Awkward situations often found him unready.
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British Dialect. not dressed.
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not prompt or quick.
adjective
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not ready or prepared
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slow or hesitant to see or act
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archaic not dressed
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of unready
First recorded in 1250–1300, unready is from the Middle English word unredy. See un- 1, ready
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Cambodian government seems unready to address questions about the leak.
From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2025
Alas, the root of the issue was some light questioning from Judge Maryellen Noreika that revealed a plea deal unready for prime time.
From Slate ● Jul. 29, 2023
Being the oldest left him in a position of authority he often felt unready for.
From New York Times ● Jan. 28, 2022
We’ve had two-loss teams nibble close, but we remain unready as a country for two-loss playoff teams.
From Washington Post ● Dec. 6, 2021
Besides, it had been just two years since she’d left her first marriage, and she felt unready to begin again.
From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
