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

Vayalil described the oil company’s health and safety standards as lifting Burjeel’s broader preparedness. —Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 27 Apr. 2026

But as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season nears, many Floridians are bracing for the storm, and that includes buying a hurricane preparedness kit, getting the hurricane shutters out of the garage, and/or devising what to do with your car. —Jennifer Sangalang, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026

While drought preparedness remains essential, an overreliance on the mislabeled and apparently inflated USDM categorizations has led to unnecessary water restrictions and missed opportunities to invest in long-term water resilience. —Edward Ring, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026

Cox and others aggressively promoted the need for pandemic preparedness. —Helen Branswell, STAT, 25 Apr. 2026

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