readiness

noun

read·​i·​ness ˈre-dē-nəs 

: the quality or state of being ready: such as

a

: a state of preparation

As Apollo approached readiness, a new system for validating flight hardware came into use.

—William Hines

… conditions that prevented all regiments being brought to battle readiness simultaneously …

—Graham A. Cosmas

Pym presented himself at the entrance to the school drive in readiness for Mr. Cudlove's arrival.

—John le Carré

b

: prompt willingness

Kostunica has already expressed his readiness to talk with independence-minded leaders in Montenegro …

—Joshua Hammer et al.

Civil War reportage owed its successes also to the readiness of the military to accept photography as a new visual tool …

—Naomi Rosenblum

c

: ease, facility

The introduction was followed up on his side by a happy readiness of conversation …

—Jane Austen

Examples of readiness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Recorded in a single take during the final 20 minutes of a studio session with producer Cheddar, the track reflects DDK's readiness to embrace the pressure of inspiring others. — Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2026

School readiness measures how prepared a child is to succeed in a formal school setting — such as kindergarten — physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Nov. 2026

That moment may tell you more about its readiness for your business than another flawless result. — Lloyd Marino, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Regional policymakers are making rapid repair readiness of economic stability. — Kapil Kumar Jain, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for readiness

• steadiness
• unsteadiness