preparedness

noun

pre·​pared·​ness pri-ˈper-əd-nəs How to pronounce preparedness (audio)
also
-ˈperd-nəs How to pronounce preparedness (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This fund acts as a buffer against unexpected financial shocks, such as job loss or medical emergencies, and is a key indicator of your financial preparedness. True Tamplin, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 And while preventing rising temperatures is essential, so is adaptation, with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce finding that just $1 in investment in resilience and disaster preparedness saves $13 in economic costs. Li Cohen, CBS News, 31 Oct. 2024 Although only minor issues were reported at nearby nuclear facilities, the quake reignited public debate over the risks and the preparedness of evacuation protocols for communities near nuclear plants. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024 With anxieties around the risk of a nuclear conflict in the Middle East continuing to grow, amid ongoing fears about Russia's nuclear capabilities, there is mounting interest in preparedness. Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week Uk, theweek, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for preparedness 

Word History

Etymology

prepared + -ness

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preparedness was in 1590

Dictionary Entries Near preparedness

Cite this Entry

“Preparedness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preparedness. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

preparedness

noun
pre·​pared·​ness pri-ˈpar-əd-nəs How to pronounce preparedness (audio) -ˈper- How to pronounce preparedness (audio)
 also  -ˈpa(ə)rd-nəs,
 or  -ˈpe(ə)rd-
: the quality or state of being prepared
especially : a state of readiness for war

More from Merriam-Webster on preparedness

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!