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

Rezaei’s remarks are another indication of the control exerted by Tehran’s hardliners and their growing readiness to adopt a more offensive posture. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

The plan is to establish a framework for a site-specific maritime nuclear readiness study at the Port of Corpus Christi. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026

And merchant readiness, so offers carry the stock, price and rules an agent can read and act on instantly. — Lital Marom, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Philadelphia's selection as a finalist follows a visit by top DNC officials to judge the city's readiness and capacity to host the convention. — Frederick Sutton Sinclair, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for readiness

• steadiness
• unsteadiness