B1adjective1K

Prepared

UK /["/prɪˈpeəd/"]/US /["/prɪˈperd/"]/

Definition

ready and able to deal with something

In simple words: Ready for something

Examples

  • She felt confident because she was prepared for the exam.
  • The team was not prepared for the challenges they faced in the competition.
  • He came fully prepared with all the necessary documents for the meeting.
  • Being prepared helps reduce anxiety in stressful situations.
  • The prepared meal saved us a lot of time during dinner.

Usage notes

Use 'prepared' when indicating readiness for an event or situation. More formal in academic or professional contexts but can be used generally. Avoid in casual or informal settings where simpler terms might be more suitable.

Grammar pattern

prepared + for/about + object

Memory hint

Think of 'prepared' like 'pre-packaged' — everything is ready before you need it.

Collocations

  • be
  • feel
  • seem
  • perfectly
  • properly
  • thoroughly
  • be prepared for the worst
  • be prepared for any eventuality
  • carefully
  • meticulously
  • hastily

Synonyms

  • ready
  • primed
  • set
  • organized
  • equipped

Antonyms

  • unprepared
  • unready

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'preparing' — 'prepared' means ready, while 'preparing' means getting ready.
  • Using it without an object — 'prepared for' should typically be followed by something specific.
  • Incorrectly saying 'prepared to' when 'prepared for' is needed.