Word
preparedness
Phoneticspre·pared·ness
US/pɹiˈpɛɹədnəs/
UK/pɹɪpˈeədnəs/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the state of being ready for something that might happen. It means you have the right tools and a plan before a problem starts.
n. the state of being ready or prepared for a specific event or situation. Often used in contexts involving emergency response, military readiness, or organizational planning.
Examples
“The city improved its preparedness for winter storms.”
“Emergency services conducted a drill to test the city's preparedness for a major earthquake.”
“The report criticized the government's lack of pandemic preparedness, citing a shortage of medical supplies and a failure to establish clear communication protocols before the crisis hit.”
Examples
simple
“The city improved its preparedness for winter storms.”
contextual
“Emergency services conducted a drill to test the city's preparedness for a major earthquake.”
complex
“The report criticized the government's lack of pandemic preparedness, citing a shortage of medical supplies and a failure to establish clear communication protocols before the crisis hit.”
Usage
Typically functions as an uncountable noun; often followed by the preposition 'for'.
Real-World Examples
“Two Nepali officials said China had not shared much information on glacier risks and water levels after a meeting to strengthen cooperation earlier this year, and they feared that could hamper future disaster preparedness.” “These questions were central to our recently published study on community-led earthquake preparedness in Kathmandu.” Etymology
From prepared + -ness.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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