preparedness
noun
pre·pared·ness
pri-ˈper-əd-nəs 
also
-ˈperd-nəs
: 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
Local, state, and federal partners will continue to work closely to ensure appropriate preparedness, coordination, and situational awareness throughout the event period.
—
Kati Weis, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025
Water 101 Academy is a free program for adults in Santa Clara County to promote water awareness, address misinformation and support community initiatives like creek cleanups and flood preparedness outreach.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
The missing half of AI governance is preparedness and response.
—Jon Truby, Time, 29 Dec. 2025
More broadly, its long and winding path back into the spotlight is a reminder that preparedness depends not only on scientific breakthroughs, but on whether those breakthroughs are carried forward before opportunity is lost.
—New Atlas, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preparedness
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.
Kati Weis, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025
Water 101 Academy is a free program for adults in Santa Clara County to promote water awareness, address misinformation and support community initiatives like creek cleanups and flood preparedness outreach.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
The missing half of AI governance is preparedness and response.
—Jon Truby, Time, 29 Dec. 2025
More broadly, its long and winding path back into the spotlight is a reminder that preparedness depends not only on scientific breakthroughs, but on whether those breakthroughs are carried forward before opportunity is lost.
—New Atlas, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preparedness
Cite this Entry
“Preparedness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preparedness. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
preparedness
noun
pre·pared·ness
pri-ˈpar-əd-nəs
-ˈper-
-ˈper-
also -ˈpa(ə)rd-nəs
or -ˈpe(ə)rd-
: the quality or state of being prepared
especially
: a state of readiness for war
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share