'unready' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'unrǣde,' where 'un-' meant 'not' and 'rǣde' meant 'ready.'

'unrǣde' transformed into the Middle English word 'unredi,' and eventually became the modern English word 'unready'.

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