readiness
10 synonyms and 1 antonym for readiness, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The state of being fully prepared for something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
The state of being fully prepared for something.
“The troops were kept in a state of constant readiness.”
2. noun
Willingness to do something.
“Her readiness to help impressed everyone.”
Opposites
How to use readiness
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
state of readiness
readiness to act
Etymology
From "ready" plus the suffix "-ness."
Full origin of readiness →Frequently asked questions
What does “readiness” mean?
The word “readiness” means the state of being fully prepared for something. In plain terms, being prepared, or being willing, to do something.
How do you pronounce “readiness”?
“Readiness” is pronounced REH-dee-nuhs (/ˈɹɛdinəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “readiness” in a sentence?
Here is “readiness” used in a sentence: “The troops were kept in a state of constant readiness.”
What part of speech is “readiness”?
“Readiness” is a noun.
Is “readiness” a common word?
“Readiness” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “readiness” have?
“Readiness” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the state of being fully prepared for something.
What is the difference between readiness and preparation?
Readiness describes the state of being fully prepared for something, the end result of getting ready. Preparation refers to the process or activities undertaken to reach that state, so preparation leads to readiness.
Can readiness mean willingness rather than preparedness?
Yes, readiness has a second sense meaning willingness to do something, such as showing readiness to help or readiness to compromise. This differs from the first sense, which is about being equipped or prepared rather than simply willing.
What phrases commonly use the word readiness?
Common collocations include "state of readiness," "combat readiness," "readiness to act," and "readiness for change." These pair readiness with a noun or infinitive to specify what someone is prepared or willing for.
