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

Vaccine and preparedness experts said the decision could be disastrous for the United States, rendering another Operation Warp Speed impossible in case of threat from disease or bioweapons. —Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2025

Security, crisis preparedness, resilience ... these aren’t optional anymore. —Dahlia Mihyar, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. —Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 30 July 2025

While the threat isn’t immediate, preparedness is key. —Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 30 July 2025

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