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

Many organizations have mistaken awareness for ability and intent for execution, assuming preparedness without ever proving it. —James Hadley, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

Review focuses on fundamental safety aspects The review focuses on fundamental safety aspects such as design assumptions, fulfilment of key safety functions, defence-in-depth, protection against internal and external hazards, and emergency preparedness. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 23 Jan. 2026

Pursue vocational training Roxana Mînzatu, EVP for social rights and skills, quality jobs, and preparedness at the European Commission, told CNBC in a conversation at WEF that young people should pursue vocational training in order to secure these blue-collar roles. —Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026

The governor declared a state of preparedness to help authorities respond quickly. —Emilie Megnien, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 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