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

Ultimately, the chip’s communication capabilities stayed on par with standard commercial Wi-Fi receivers, validating its readiness for real-world nuclear and space applications. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026

Working with economic development and real estate partners to pre-screen sites and plan grid readiness, helping reduce uncertainty and improve coordination for responsible growth. —Tara Lynch, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026

Psychological readiness is an important factor in safe return to play and reinjury risk, making gradual exposure through both imagery and real-world practice, along with open discussion and validation of fear, essential parts of recovery. —Ian McMahan, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026

Yet another incident has raised questions around the readiness of AI tools for the real world. —Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for readiness

• steadiness
• unsteadiness