1
: the state of being ready or prepared for something
The soldier lay in readiness.
—often + forThey're unsure of their daughter's readiness for kindergarten.
2
: the state of being willing to do something
—usually followed by to + verb
He showed a readiness [=willingness] to help us.
Cite this Entry
“Readiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/readiness. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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