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Meaning & use

readiness

noun·Academic

Last updated

UK/ˈred.i.nəs/
US/ˈred.i.nəs/

Meanings

  1. noununcountable

    The state of being prepared and able to act, respond, or be used immediately.

    Grammar: Mass noun; combine with for or in, not usually a readiness in everyday speech.

    Patterns

    • readiness for something
    • in readiness
    • a state of readiness

    Fire crews checked hoses in readiness for the storm.

    The school tested its readiness for a sudden power failure.

  2. noununcountable

    Willingness to do something, shown by quick or eager agreement.

    Grammar: Followed by to plus a verb; readiness for is followed by a noun.

    Patterns

    • readiness to do something
    • readiness to help
    • readiness to compromise

    She expressed readiness to work weekends during the audit.

    His readiness to apologize prevented a longer argument.

  3. noununcountableformalliterary

    Quickness or ease in thinking, speaking, or responding.

    Grammar: Formal and less common; often in phrases like readiness of wit.

    Patterns

    • readiness of wit
    • with readiness
    • a readiness to answer

    The lawyer was known for the readiness of her replies.

    He answered every objection with calm readiness.

Common combinations

readiness for change
Staff surveys measured readiness for change before the merger.
in readiness
Ambulances waited in readiness near the finish line.
readiness to learn
The toddlers showed constant readiness to learn new words.
combat readiness
The unit maintained combat readiness through winter training.

Synonyms and how they differ

preparedness
Very close for plans and supplies; readiness also includes being willing or quick to respond.
willingness
Best for eager consent; it does not by itself prove practical preparation.
alertness
Emphasizes being awake and watchful, only one part of readiness.

Opposites

unpreparednessreluctance

Word family

ready adjective
Prepared, willing, or available for use.
readily adverb
Quickly, easily, or willingly.
ready verb
To prepare something for use, as in ready equipment; formal.

Commonly confused: readiness or reading? readiness or preparedness?

readiness vs reading

Reading is looking at and understanding text; readiness is the state of being prepared.

readiness vs preparedness

Preparedness is almost the same for emergencies and planning; readiness is a little broader and more natural with willingness.

Practice

The soldiers stood in ___ for the order to move.

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