'unpreparedness' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'prepared,' which comes from Latin 'praeparare,' where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'parare' meant 'make ready.'

'unpreparedness' evolved from the Middle English word 'unpreparidnesse,' eventually becoming the modern English word 'unpreparedness.'

Initially, it meant 'not ready,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.