ill-prepared

/ˌɪl prɪˈpeəd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɪl prɪˈperd/ (ame, ipa)

ill-prepared — adjective

1. lacking the training, knowledge, or supplies needed to handle a particular situa

1.形容詞C1
釋義

lacking the training, knowledge, or supplies needed to handle a particular situation or task, often because the situation arrived sooner than expected.

例句

The new teachers felt ill-prepared for a classroom of forty restless children.

ill-prepared for + noun phrase

Ziad arrived in Oslo ill-prepared for the harsh winter, with only a thin jacket and sneakers.

scenario: ill-prepared for + weather/condition

同義詞
  • unprepared

    more neutral; 'ill-prepared' suggests the lack of readiness is a noticeable problem

  • unready

    slightly formal; often emotional or psychological readiness rather than practical

  • underprepared

    implies some preparation was done but not enough; 'ill-prepared' is stronger

反義詞
  • well-prepared

    direct opposite; suggests thorough readiness

  • ready

    general antonym; less specific about preparation

文法句型

ill-prepared for + noun

ill-prepared to + verb

用法筆記

Almost always predicative after 'be', 'feel', 'seem', or 'arrive'; rarely sits directly before the noun it modifies. Subject is usually a person, team, organization, or country facing an unexpected challenge.

常見錯誤

❌The ill-prepared army lost the battle.
✅The army, ill-prepared for a winter campaign, lost the battle.
💡'ill-prepared' sounds awkward directly before a noun; place it after the noun with a 'for' phrase, or use it predicatively.
❌I am ill-prepared about the exam.
✅I am ill-prepared for the exam.
💡the standard preposition is 'for', not 'about'.