WordGarden.ioreadiness
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈɛdɪnəs/
US
- /ˈrɛdinəs/
Meanings
Noun
the state of being prepared for something
willingness or eagerness to act
Beyond the definition
Readiness is more than just being prepared. It is the state of having what you need, and being able and willing to use it when the time comes. A soldier in full gear, a student with homework finished, and even a seed about to grow can all show readiness. The idea includes having the right tools, the right condition, and the will to act. You might talk about someone's readiness for a challenge or a team's readiness before a big game.
Think of a race car driver waiting at the starting line: they have the car, the skill, and the focus. That is readiness. It can also describe emotional preparation, like being able to forgive, move on, or face a hard truth. Sometimes readiness means knowing you are not there yet and taking steps to prepare.
Readiness describes a state of being fully prepared—mentally, physically, and emotionally—for whatever may happen. It is more than just having the necessary resources; it encompasses the ability to utilize those resources effectively and with confidence. For example, a city preparing for hurricane season demonstrates readiness by stocking supplies, reinforcing infrastructure, and establishing evacuation plans.
The concept of readiness extends beyond practical preparation. A child showing "school readiness" isn't simply able to hold a crayon; they also possess the social-emotional skills needed to interact with teachers and peers. Similarly, an athlete might be physically fit but lack the mental readiness to perform under pressure.
In technology, "readiness" often refers to a system's ability to function the moment it is required—like a backup generator being in "standby readiness." In business, it can describe a company's preparedness for expansion or its ability to pivot during market shifts.
At its core, the word suggests that everything is in place so a person, group, or system can respond quickly and effectively. You might say someone is "not ready" to take on a responsibility, or that a community shows remarkable "disaster readiness." In many contexts, it carries both the sense of preparation and the sense of being able to begin without delay.
Ultimately, readiness isn't just having what you need; it's being equipped—in every sense of the word—to meet the challenges ahead. It is about potential realized and action poised to begin.
Examples
- 1
Learning attitude
She showed a readiness to learn from her mistakes.
- 2
Workplace responsibility
His manager was impressed by his readiness for more responsibility.
- 3
Family change
Before the move, the family talked honestly about the children’s emotional readiness for such a big change.
- 4
Military preparation
The troops remained in a state of readiness throughout the night.
- Phrasein a state of readiness
fully prepared for immediate action
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Meeting preparation
We left the documents signed and in readiness for the morning meeting.
- Phrasein readiness
ready and waiting to be used
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- unpreparedness
- reluctance
Used with (collocations)
- in readiness for
- combat readiness
- operational readiness
- readiness to act
Word family
Explore
- contingency planning
- deployment
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- readinessnoun
Forms
- readinessespluralnoun