readiness
noun
read·i·ness
ˈre-dē-nəs
: the quality or state of being ready: such as
a
: a state of preparation
As Apollo approached readiness, a new system for validating flight hardware came into use.—William Hines
… conditions that prevented all regiments being brought to battle readiness simultaneously …—Graham A. Cosmas
Pym presented himself at the entrance to the school drive in readiness for Mr. Cudlove's arrival.—John le Carré
b
: prompt willingness
Kostunica has already expressed his readiness to talk with independence-minded leaders in Montenegro …—Joshua Hammer et al.
Civil War reportage owed its successes also to the readiness of the military to accept photography as a new visual tool …—Naomi Rosenblum
Cite this Entry
“Readiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/readiness. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
