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

Attacks like these raise fresh concerns about the cybersecurity preparedness of companies that handle tax and financial data. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2025

Peace is always the goal, but preparedness is often the price of preserving it. —Dan Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025

This fear is where Marlon Smith’s interest in preparedness began. —Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 17 June 2025

Because fire preparedness has been a top priority for everyone in the county due to the recent and devastating fires in Los Angeles, a new $1.5 million fire training tower in District 4 will prepare and train our firefighters for decades to come. —Joel Anderson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

prepared + -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