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

This effort directly improves our readiness and reinforces our commitment to the defense of the peninsula. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

The Chiefs have often referred to Caliendo as a sixth starter, praising his reliability and readiness. —Pete Sweeney november 25, Kansas City Star, 25 Nov. 2025

The nation keeps a backup Long March 2F/G rocket and Shenzhou capsule in a state of near-readiness at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert and can fast-track a launch should the need arise. —Mike Wall, Space.com, 25 Nov. 2025

Narayanan said the tool is nearing commercial readiness. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for readiness

• steadiness
• unsteadiness