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

These capabilities are increasingly central to future crisis preparedness. — Frances Townsend, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026

The most important preparedness question is what communities can do when that forecast becomes a warning. — Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Mirza Zulfiqar Rahman, an independent researcher who has studied the Brahmaputra, said warnings sometimes fail to travel from government offices into communities and are rarely paired with enough drills and preparedness. — ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026

Ensuring treatment providers have contingency plans for patients amid disaster, and including these providers in community disaster preparedness and recovery planning, are two key steps that could help limit future harm elsewhere. — Kristina P. Brant, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

prepared entry 1 + -ness

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for preparedness

• unpreparedness

Kids Definition

preparedness

noun

pre·​pared·​ness pri-ˈpar-əd-nəs  -ˈper- 

also -ˈpa(ə)rd-nəs

or -ˈpe(ə)rd-

: the quality or state of being prepared

especially : a state of readiness for war