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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

The tetchiest moment of the committee hearing, came when the prime minister faced questions about the UK's defensive readiness.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

"We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait. We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preliminary planning," they said.

From Barron's • Mar. 21, 2026

The European Central Bank kept interest rates unchanged at its March meeting but signaled a readiness to raise rates if high energy prices cause a jump in inflation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

He had been at his wits’ end, with no reply to Bigwig’s scornful impatience except his readiness to risk his own life in company with Fiver and Pipkin.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams

Related Words

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