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
Crowley’s case revives scrutiny of the Palisades blaze, which killed 12 and destroyed thousands of homes, and of political maneuvers to manage blame, budgets and LAFD preparedness.
—
Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026
The venue’s preparedness to go the extra mile may simply be out of a desire to look good.
—Adam Crafton, New York Times, 23 June 2026
The course was hosted by Faster Colorado, a nonprofit organization focused on improving school safety and emergency response preparedness.
—Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 23 June 2026
Park conditions change constantly and visitors' choice of activities and level of preparedness are big factors in determining risk.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 22 June 2026
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Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026
The venue’s preparedness to go the extra mile may simply be out of a desire to look good.
—Adam Crafton, New York Times, 23 June 2026
The course was hosted by Faster Colorado, a nonprofit organization focused on improving school safety and emergency response preparedness.
—Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 23 June 2026
Park conditions change constantly and visitors' choice of activities and level of preparedness are big factors in determining risk.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for preparedness
Cite this Entry
“Preparedness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preparedness. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
preparedness
noun
pre·pared·ness
pri-ˈpar-əd-nəs
-ˈper-
-ˈper-
also -ˈpa(ə)rd-nəs
or -ˈpe(ə)rd-
: the quality or state of being prepared
especially
: a state of readiness for war
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