preparedness

noun

pre·​pared·​ness pri-ˈper-əd-nəs 

also

-ˈperd-nəs 

: the quality or state of being prepared

especially : a state of adequate preparation in case of war

Examples of preparedness in a Sentence

The military is in a state of preparedness.

Recent Examples on the Web

Though these predictions exist weeks ahead of events, their impact on preparedness is nebulous. — Vibhu Krishna, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026

In 2023, more than half of Philadelphia students demonstrated preparedness by means of state exams. — Neetu Arnold, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026

Providing no-cost physical and cyber election security training for state and local governments, CISA includes services like insider threat mitigation and active shooter preparedness training. — Catherine Bouvet, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

Topics in the workshops will include storm preparedness, coastal erosion, flooding and debris flow risks, infrastructure conditions and ongoing work along Pacific Coast Highway. — Alys Martinez, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

prepared entry 1 + -ness

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for preparedness

• unpreparedness

Kids Definition

preparedness

noun

pre·​pared·​ness pri-ˈpar-əd-nəs  -ˈper- 

also -ˈpa(ə)rd-nəs

or -ˈpe(ə)rd-

: the quality or state of being prepared

especially : a state of readiness for war