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

Indeed, Taiwan’s decision to respond to incursions into its air defense identification zone by scrambling fighter jets and to trail Chinese navy ships on the seas has heavily taxed its defense platforms and risks exhausting the military, thereby compromising Taiwan’s readiness for direct conflict. —David Sacks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024

The program focuses on college readiness, etiquette, public speaking, financial responsibility and mental health awareness, among other skills. —Gabriella Rudy, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024

In the end, the most radical thing about Ives is his refusal of simple stories, his acceptance of uncertainty, his readiness for the unknown. —Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024

In light of his recent health setbacks, Aston Martin noted the priority of Alonso's health and readiness ahead of the race at Sao Paulo, which is a sprint race weekend. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above