unready

unready
unready (adj.) mid-14c., "not prepared," from UN- (Cf. un-) (1) "not" + READY (Cf. ready). In English history, applied to Anglo-Saxon King Æðelræd II (968-1016), where it preserves the fuller original sense of O.E. ungeræd "ill-advised, rede-less, no-counsel" and plays on the king's name (which means "good-counsel"). The epithet is attested from early 13c. O.E. ræda "advise, counsel" is related to READ (Cf. read) (v.). Rede "counsel" survived in poetic usage to 17c. An attempted revival by Scott (19c.) failed, though it is used in Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings."

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

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  • Unready — Un*read y, a. 1. Not ready or prepared; not prompt; slow; awkward; clumsy. Dryden. [1913 Webster] Nor need the unready virgin strike her breast. Keble. [1913 Webster] 2. Not dressed; undressed. [Obs.] [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Unready — Un*read y, v. t. [1st pref. un + ready.] To undress. [Obs.] Sir P. Sidney. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • unready — index back (in arrears), late (tardy), premature, unqualified (not competent) Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton …   Law dictionary

  • unready — ► ADJECTIVE ▪ not ready or prepared …   English terms dictionary

  • unready — [unred′ē] adj. not ready; specif., a) not prepared, as for action or use b) not prompt or alert; slow; hesitant unreadily adv. unreadiness n …   English World dictionary

  • unready — unreadiness, n. /un red ee/, adj. 1. not ready; not made ready: The new stadium is as yet unready for use. 2. not in a state of readiness; unprepared: emotionally unready for success. 3. lacking in presence of mind, as when a quick decision or a… …   Universalium

  • unready — 1. adj. 1 not ready. 2 not prompt in action. Derivatives: unreadily adv. unreadiness n. 2. adj. archaic lacking good advice; rash (Ethelred the Unready). Etymology: UN (1) + REDE, assim. to UNREADY(1) …   Useful english dictionary

  • unready — adjective Not ready …   Wiktionary

  • unready — Synonyms and related words: ad lib, airy, arrested, asleep, back, backward, behindhand, belated, blocked, careless, casual, caught napping, caught off balance, caught short, cursory, degage, delayed, delayed action, detained, disregardant,… …   Moby Thesaurus

  • unready — adj. not prepared, not ready …   English contemporary dictionary

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