preparedness

noun

pre·​pared·​ness pri-ˈper-əd-nəs How to pronounce preparedness (audio)
also
-ˈperd-nəs How to pronounce preparedness (audio)
: 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
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.
For readiness, 39% of students showcased preparedness after high school based on merit and distinction, which is 16 percentage points lower than the state. Dmitry Martirosov, Arkansas Online, 12 Nov. 2025 Only two communities remained marooned from access except by helicopter – Petersville in Westmoreland Parish and Ducketts in Saint James Parish, said Alvin Gayle, director general of the office of disaster preparedness and emergency management. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025 Its location atop overlapping tectonic boundaries, especially the Aleutian subduction zone, means earthquake preparedness remains a constant concern. Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025 The agency stood alongside other state leaders from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to discuss winter weather preparedness for Hoosiers with Indiana Governor Mike Braun. Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 10 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for preparedness

Word History

Etymology

prepared + -ness

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preparedness was in 1590

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preparedness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preparedness. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

preparedness

noun
pre·​pared·​ness pri-ˈpar-əd-nəs How to pronounce preparedness (audio) -ˈper- How to pronounce preparedness (audio)
also -ˈpa(ə)rd-nəs
or -ˈpe(ə)rd-
: the quality or state of being prepared
especially : a state of readiness for war

More from Merriam-Webster on preparedness

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