readiness

American  

[red-ee-nis] / ˈrɛd i nɪs /

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.

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readiness British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• overreadiness noun
• prereadiness noun

Etymology

Origin of readiness

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

Explanation

Readiness is a quality of being able or willing to do something. An athlete's readiness for the Olympics has to do with how warmed up she is, whether she's recovered from injuries, as well as her psychological state. Your readiness for something usually has to do with how well prepared you are. Your parents might have decorated a room and bought a crib before you were born, in readiness for your arrival. And local police sometimes clear the streets and direct traffic away in readiness for a big parade. Readiness can also mean "willingness," like an eager kindergartner's readiness to learn how to read.

Example Sentences

After he leaves the Treasury, Mr. Bessent hopes to continue working privately on supply chains, military readiness, AI policy and financial regulation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

"We invite all nations with an interest in the free flow of global trade to join us. Some have already indicated their readiness to contribute."

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

But this should be part of a broader conversation about your respective readiness to retire, and how that could impact your expectations about the kind of lifestyle you want in your 60s and beyond.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

By intentionally disrupting a specific energy pathway inside T cells, the researchers effectively rewired the cells' internal engines, placing them in a heightened state of readiness.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026

To achieve a maximum state of readiness, the Air Force kept some of its bombers airborne at all times.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• fitness
• good will
• keenness
• preparation
• preparedness
• willingness