readiness

[red-ee-nis]

noun

1. the condition of being ready.

2. ready movement; promptness; quickness.

3. ready action; ease; facility.

4. willingness; inclination; cheerful consent.

   a readiness to help others.

5. a developmental stage at which a child has the capacity to receive instruction at a given level of difficulty or to engage in a particular activity.

ˈreadiness

/ ˈrɛdɪnɪs /

noun

1. the state of being ready or prepared, as for use or action

2. 1. prepared and waiting

      all was in readiness for the guests' arrival

   2. in preparation for

      he tidied the house in readiness for the guests' arrival

3. willingness or eagerness to do something

4. ease or promptness

Other Word Forms

• overreadiness noun
• prereadiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of readiness¹

1350–1400; Middle English redyness ( e ). See ready, -ness

Example Sentences

Preparing for, preventing and responding to environmental disasters such as oil spills and chemical releases, known as emergency response readiness operations, will not stop.

From Los Angeles Times

“These opportunities are being evaluated to maximize value and taxpayer dollars while maintaining mission readiness and security,” Williams said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

"Ground-based air defence systems have reached the highest state of readiness."

From BBC

“We are actively reviewing available resources to ensure our readiness to absorb anticipated increased patient volumes at the Enloe Health Emergency Department,” wrote Enloe Health in an unsigned statement.

From Los Angeles Times

Teacher Tapp, a survey tool, asked primary school teachers in England about school readiness a week into term.

From BBC

Related Words

• fitness 
• good will www.thesaurus.com
• keenness www.thesaurus.com
• preparation 
• preparedness 
• willingness