readiness

noun

read·​i·​ness ˈre-dē-nəs 

: 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 conversation …

—Jane Austen

Examples of readiness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Workplace mentors have made a significant and identifiable impact on their mentees college and career readiness. —Magda Liszewska, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026

Under the agreement, the company will provide ongoing field service support for the aircraft’s electronic warfare systems, carry out repairs to maintain readiness, and deliver software upgrades to address evolving threats, according to a statement by BAE. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026

College and career readiness is also on the rise. —Howard Hepburn, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026

Just this week, the city launched a new Youth Violence Reduction Initiative in which existing community organizations will identify high-risk teens and aim to interrupt the cycle of violence by engaging them with mentorship, help with high school credits, job readiness and more. —Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 29 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for readiness

• steadiness
• unsteadiness