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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ˈreadiness 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

Example Sentences

“That suggests not a discrete exercise but a sustained operational readiness posture—and one that China apparently doesn’t feel the need to explain.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

France and Canada—pledged “our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

If anything, strategists say the U.S. technological and military prowess on display in Venezuela and Iran are likely raising questions in Beijing about military readiness.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

Children who have developmental delays or whose behavioral readiness is lagging can still stand to benefit.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

Since the first year he began to practice he had given an annual party on Christmas Day, and now all was in readiness.

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers

Related Words

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