readiness

noun

read·​i·​ness ˈre-dē-nəs How to pronounce readiness (audio)
: the quality or state of being ready: such as
a
: a state of preparation
As Apollo approached readiness, a new system for validating flight hardware came into use.William Hines
… conditions that prevented all regiments being brought to battle readiness simultaneously …Graham A. Cosmas
Pym presented himself at the entrance to the school drive in readiness for Mr. Cudlove's arrival.John Le Carré
b
: prompt willingness
Kostunica has already expressed his readiness to talk with independence-minded leaders in Montenegro …Joshua Hammer et al.
Civil War reportage owed its successes also to the readiness of the military to accept photography as a new visual tool …Naomi Rosenblum
c
: ease, facility
The introduction was followed up on his side by a happy readiness of conversationJane Austen

Examples of readiness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web As a corollary to this assertive approach is a readiness to insist on China’s extraterritorial reach. Steve Tsang, TIME, 11 May 2024 Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, the Minister of Defense, who participated in last year's event in Germany, has indicated Nigeria's readiness to host the games if given the chance. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Erin Hill, Peoplemag, 10 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for readiness 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'readiness.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of readiness was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near readiness

Cite this Entry

“Readiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/readiness. Accessed 15 May. 2024.

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