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

But wildfire preparedness cannot be the responsibility of the city alone. — Chuck Page, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2026

Earlier this year, the fund was told by an advisory panel to raise its preparedness to handle growing geopolitical risk, including in the US. — Bloomberg, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026

If done well, and with a human in the loop, AI could help identify trends in incidents, equipment issues, training gaps, certifications, expiration dates, maintenance reminders and emergency preparedness plan oversights. — John F. McQuillan, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Taiwan is conducting its largest-ever annual military preparedness drills alongside extensive civil defense exercises aimed at mobilizing a whole-of-society response in the event of conflict with China. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

prepared + -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