readiness

noun

read·​i·​ness ˈre-dē-nəs How to pronounce readiness (audio)
Synonyms of readinessnext
: the quality or state of being ready: such as
a
: a state of preparation
As Apollo approached readiness, a new system for validating flight hardware came into use.William Hines
… conditions that prevented all regiments being brought to battle readiness simultaneously …Graham A. Cosmas
Pym presented himself at the entrance to the school drive in readiness for Mr. Cudlove's arrival.John le Carré
b
: prompt willingness
Kostunica has already expressed his readiness to talk with independence-minded leaders in Montenegro …Joshua Hammer et al.
Civil War reportage owed its successes also to the readiness of the military to accept photography as a new visual tool …Naomi Rosenblum
c
: ease, facility
The introduction was followed up on his side by a happy readiness of conversation …Jane Austen

Examples of readiness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Chinese leader Xi Jinping last week promoted the commander of the Eastern Theatre Command, which oversees Taiwan-facing operations, to full general – a move which analysts say serves to shore up the military's combat readiness after a leadership purge. Yimou Lee, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2025 In its justification, Naval Air Systems Command said selecting a different supplier would have delayed fielding the capability by as much as eight years, significantly affecting fleet readiness against evolving threats. Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 30 Dec. 2025 Learning about the local history of wildfires, from the ecological impact of beneficial fire to fire disasters and how communities responded, can transform how children and their families think about fires and fire readiness. Elizabeth A. Logan, The Conversation, 29 Dec. 2025 China’s Eastern Command said naval and air forces would run combat readiness patrols from December 29, and the command released a notice announcing the closure of maritime and airspace zones around Taiwan for live-fire drills during daytime hours on December 30. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 29 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for readiness

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of readiness was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Readiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/readiness. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.

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