preparedness

noun

pre·​pared·​ness pri-ˈper-əd-nəs 

also

-ˈperd-nəs 

: the quality or state of being prepared

especially : a state of adequate preparation in case of war

Examples of preparedness in a Sentence

The military is in a state of preparedness.

Recent Examples on the Web

As the technology becomes embedded across business functions, CISOs will increasingly be looked upon to help executive leadership and boards navigate governance, operational resilience, workforce preparedness and enterprise risk. — Haris Pylarinos, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

As such disasters intensify, international climate adaptation and disaster preparedness aid programs have been slashed, leaving countries facing billions of dollars in avoidable damage and dwindling recovery funds. — ABC News, 22 Sep. 2026

Proposals to overhaul the Federal Emergency Management Agency could transfer the bulk of the responsibility for disaster preparedness, response and recovery to the state and local governments — along with the costs. — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026

School shooting preparedness drills have been a routine though uncomfortable part of the back-to-school experience. — Emily Greene-Colozzi, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

prepared entry 1 + -ness

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for preparedness

• unpreparedness

Kids Definition

preparedness

noun

pre·​pared·​ness pri-ˈpar-əd-nəs  -ˈper- 

also -ˈpa(ə)rd-nəs

or -ˈpe(ə)rd-

: the quality or state of being prepared

especially : a state of readiness for war