preparedness

noun

pre·​pared·​ness pri-ˈper-əd-nəs How to pronounce preparedness (audio)
also
-ˈperd-nəs How to pronounce preparedness (audio)
: the quality or state of being prepared
especially : a state of adequate preparation in case of war

Examples of preparedness in a Sentence

The military is in a state of preparedness.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Taiwan must follow up on these pledges, and further reforms are needed, with more urgency, to consolidate its defense preparedness. Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 22 Sep. 2025 Investment in pandemic preparedness is back to pre-COVID levels. David Miliband, Time, 22 Sep. 2025 The storm also highlights the island's vulnerability to fast-changing tropical systems during the peak of hurricane season, when preparedness and close monitoring are critical. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025 But the teams responsible for wildfire preparedness, risk management and emergency alerts were reduced. Marlowe Starling, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for preparedness

Word History

Etymology

prepared + -ness

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preparedness was in 1590

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preparedness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preparedness. Accessed 26 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

preparedness

noun
pre·​pared·​ness pri-ˈpar-əd-nəs How to pronounce preparedness (audio) -ˈper- How to pronounce preparedness (audio)
 also  -ˈpa(ə)rd-nəs,
 or  -ˈpe(ə)rd-
: the quality or state of being prepared
especially : a state of readiness for war

More from Merriam-Webster on preparedness

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