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

These students are on track for career and college, and demonstrate readiness for content at the next grade/course. —Arkansas Online, 3 Sep. 2025

Biden had selected Colorado Springs in 2023 as the permanent home for Space Command, a location proponents had said was best for military readiness. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025

Biden's Democratic administration said that keeping the command in Colorado Springs would avoid a disruption in readiness. —Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

Now, the organization works to provide children with an accessible, safe place to go that can meet their basic needs as well as help them with social and emotional learning, academics and workforce readiness. —R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for readiness

• steadiness
• unsteadiness