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.
Corporate boards should consider making comprehensive crisis preparedness, including regular testing and accountability, mandatory to enhance organizational resilience and communication. Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025 Eight in 10 said Katrina showed the nation's disaster preparedness needs to be improved. Susan Page, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025 Such efforts offer a unique opportunity to chart the course of scientific progress, steering the allocation of resources away from possibly dangerous goals, improving countermeasures and preparedness for biological risks, and in the process, laying the foundations for a better, safer future. Liyam Chitayat, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025 Criswell; Mitch Landrieu, former Louisiana lieutenant governor and mayor of New Orleans; and Davante Lewis, Louisiana Public Service commissioner, said the cuts happening at the federal level are having a significant impact on disaster preparedness and response. Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 28 Aug. 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 10 Sep. 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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