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 strategy aims to enhance the military's readiness to address the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial systems. —Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024

Being proactive not only showcases your ambition but also highlights your readiness to take on greater responsibilities. —Rosalba Carandente, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Major attention and effort was devoted to the problem with political leaders enacting oversight over the government’s own readiness, while pushing for action in the private sector. —Zachary Loeb / Made By History, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024

Currently, Israel’s ability to force regional changes militarily outpaces its readiness to articulate and enact a cohesive strategic vision; its operational successes do not, as of yet, have clear strategic ideas to go along with them. —Amos Yadlin, Foreign Affairs, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above