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

Participants at the symposium also explored athletics, adult learners, career readiness, federal policy, international partnerships, alumni engagement, and philanthropy across the African continent. — Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

By providing real-time diagnostics and predictive maintenance data, the technology is expected to improve mission readiness, reduce maintenance downtime and enhance overall platform reliability during extended underwater operations. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 July 2026

Her job meant overseeing aircrew readiness, training and flight operations while instructing boom operators on air refueling procedures, the Air Force said. — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 26 July 2026

Because readiness doesn’t wait for a bed to become available. — Zeynep Portway, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for readiness

• steadiness
• unsteadiness