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

During the event, parents and caregivers will engage in peer-to-peer conversations about various aspects of screen readiness; become familiar with tools and resources that help determine screen readiness; and gain new ideas to promote a healthy digital home. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026

But despite the severity of the disruption, gulf tourism markets have rebounded quickly after recent shocks — whether financial crisis, pandemic, or regional tensions — often aided by aggressive pricing, marketing campaigns, and infrastructure readiness. —Trevor Laurence Jockims, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026

Britain’s armed forces have faced mounting scrutiny over their size and readiness in recent years. —Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026

The head coach’s assessment has not changed since his comments late last month about Mahomes’ readiness come September 5, the first game of the 2026 regular season. —Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for readiness

• steadiness
• unsteadiness