preparedness

noun

pre·​pared·​ness pri-ˈper-əd-nəs How to pronounce preparedness (audio)
also
-ˈperd-nəs How to pronounce preparedness (audio)
Synonyms of preparednessnext
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Eye-rolling over Gorka’s bombast has given way to anxiety about the administration’s preparedness to identify and stop major plots. Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 21 Apr. 2026 Officials said the advisory was not a quake prediction but urged residents in 182 towns along the northeastern coasts to raise their preparedness while continuing their daily lives. Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026 Officials said the advisory was not a quake prediction but urged residents to raise their preparedness while continuing their daily lives. ABC News, 20 Apr. 2026 Officials said the advisory is not a quake prediction but urged residents to raise their preparedness, such as emergency food and their grab bag just in case, while continuing their daily lives. CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preparedness

Word History

Etymology

prepared + -ness

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preparedness was in 1590

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preparedness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preparedness. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

preparedness

noun
pre·​pared·​ness pri-ˈpar-əd-nəs How to pronounce preparedness (audio) -ˈper- How to pronounce preparedness (audio)
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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