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

The investment will enable Lithuania to make advance payments and expedite deliveries of critical military assets, which will significantly enhance its readiness and deterrence capabilities. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025

Riyadh’s condition for such a deal would be Israel’s readiness to keep the prospect of a two-state peace with Palestinians alive. —Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Jan. 2025

In the closing days of talks, both Israeli and Hamas officials signaled their readiness to make a deal, though far-right elements of Netanyahu's government again threatened to collapse the ruling coalition in protest of a ceasefire. —Kevin Shalvey, ABC News, 15 Jan. 2025

The career readiness journey must start with opportunities to explore careers beginning in middle school (or sooner) and then test and try careers in high school to learn about the multiple pathways to success after graduation. —Jean Eddy, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above