equipped

equipped — adjective

1. Supplied or fitted with the physical items — such as tools, machines, clothing,

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

Supplied or fitted with the physical items — such as tools, machines, clothing, or gear — that are needed for a specific task, activity, or situation.

Example

The hiker was well equipped with a tent, a warm sleeping bag, and food for a week.

well equipped with [items]

The school's science lab is equipped with new microscopes and safety goggles for every student.

passive: equipped with [equipment]

Common collocations
  • equipped with [tools/equipment/machinery]
  • well equipped
  • fully equipped
  • specially equipped
  • equipped for [an expedition/a job/battle]
Synonyms
  • fitted

    slightly more formal, especially for permanent installations (fitted with a security system)

  • outfitted

    implies a complete set of gear, often for a specific expedition or role

  • supplied

    focuses on provision rather than readiness; may imply ongoing replenishment

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

equipped with [equipment/items]

equipped for [purpose/activity]

well/fully/specially equipped

Usage Note

Commonly modified by well, fully, or specially. The preposition with introduces the specific items provided; for introduces the purpose or situation the items are meant to handle.

Common Mistakes

The car was equipped of air conditioning.
The car was equipped with air conditioning.
The correct preposition after equipped is always with, not of.
The campers equipped warm clothes.
The campers were equipped with warm clothes.
When used as an adjective, equipped needs a form of be before it.

2. Having the necessary skills, knowledge, experience, or personal qualities to han

2.adjectiveB2
Definition

Having the necessary skills, knowledge, experience, or personal qualities to handle a task, role, or challenge effectively.

Example

After years of training, Nikos felt equipped to lead the team through the difficult project.

feel equipped to [verb]

The new manager was not equipped for the pressure of deciding for hundreds of workers.

not equipped for [situation]

Common collocations
  • equipped to handle/deal with/cope with
  • equipped for [role/task/job]
  • well equipped
  • poorly equipped
  • emotionally equipped
Synonyms
  • prepared

    broader in meaning; can refer to mental readiness or physical readiness

  • qualified

    specifically about having the right credentials, training, or experience

  • ready

    emphasizes willingness and immediate readiness rather than long-term capability

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

equipped to [verb]

equipped for [role/task]

well/poorly equipped

Usage Note

Typically followed by to + infinitive to specify an action, or by for + noun phrase to specify a role or situation. Frequently modified by well or poorly to indicate degree of preparedness. This sense does not refer to physical objects — it describes capability or readiness in ability terms.

Common Mistakes

She is equipped to handles the job.
She is equipped to handle the job.
After equipped to, use the base form of the verb, not the third-person singular.
I am equipped of dealing with stress.
I am equipped to deal with stress.' or 'I am equipped for dealing with stress.
Use to + infinitive or for + gerund, never of.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words describe providing something that is needed, but they differ in scope and tone. Equipped is the most general term — it can apply to anything from a kitchen with modern appliances to a person with the right tools for a job. Fitted suggests a more permanent or built-in arrangement (a car fitted with airbags, a room fitted with shelves) and often implies that the items are installed or integrated. Outfitted carries a sense of completeness and purpose — it is often used for expeditions, teams, or roles where everything needed has been prepared (the climbers were outfitted for Everest). Supplied focuses on the act of provision itself rather than readiness; it can imply ongoing delivery (the hospital was supplied with medicine weekly). For everyday contexts describing readiness with tools or equipment, equipped is the safest and most natural choice.

equipped ↗fitted ↗outfittedsupplied

Common collocations

Adverbs

Prepositions

Etymology

Old NorseFrenchEnglish

Equipped comes from the verb equip, which entered English in the 1500s from French équiper, meaning 'to fit out a ship'. The French word goes back to Old Norse skipa, from skip ('ship'), so the original idea was to put a ship in order and supply everything needed for a voyage. Over time, the meaning expanded from ships to any kind of preparation — first for armies and expeditions, and eventually for skills, knowledge, and personal qualities.