preparedness

[ pri-pair-id-nis, -paird-nis ]

/ prɪˈpɛər ɪd nɪs, -ˈpɛərd nɪs /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR preparedness ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the state of being prepared; readiness.

possession of adequate armed forces, industrial resources and potential, etc., especially as a deterrent to enemy attack.

Nearby words

Origin of preparedness

First recorded in 1580–90; prepared + -ness

Related formsun·pre·par·ed·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for preparedness

Philip Breedlove, NATO commander-in-chief, says this represents a shift, "from engagement to preparedness."
Shocked by Ukraine Violence, NATO Prepares to Face Down Putin|Leo Cendrowicz|October 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She brings her own tea bags in a neat Ziploc bag, and I am mildly awed at her preparedness and chutzpah.
Marlo Thomas Says Girls Should Feel Free to Be Like Hannah Horvath|Emily Shire|April 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But Pratap Rudra, routed repeatedly by his lack of preparedness in a rapidly altering region, had exposed his weaknesses.
India’s Newest State Telangana Is Bosnia Redux|Kranti Rai|March 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He continues to speak and consult nationally on “Building a Culture of Preparedness.”
The Hero Summit 2013 Speakers||September 10, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Many media representatives felt explaining the change took valuable time away from focusing on impacts and preparedness actions.
NOAA Examines Sandy Response|Josh Dzieza|May 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Standing here in the presence of our host, our thoughts naturally turn to a discussion of "Preparedness."
Have faith in Massachusetts; 2d ed.|Calvin Coolidge
Preparedness is the watchword of the Unions in this warfare.
The Armies of Labor|Samuel P. Orth
He is not a coward, but simply believes in preparedness and safety first, and so seldom blunders into trouble.
Your National Parks|Enos A. Mills
In the first case—'the preparedness of the Gospel'—it states the origin of the thing in question.
Expositions of Holy Scripture|Alexander Maclaren
They did not trust each other, and above all, they did not trust themselves, their own strength and preparedness.
Right Above Race|Otto Hermann Kahn

British Dictionary definitions for preparedness

preparedness

/ (prɪˈpɛərɪdnɪs) /

noun

the state of being prepared or ready, esp militarily ready for war

Derived Formspreparedly, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for preparedness

preparedness

1580s, from prepared + -ness.

preparedness

noun

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of preparedness

Examples from the Web for preparedness

preparedness

noun

preparedness