preparedness
UK: prɪˈpeə.rɪd.nəs | US: prɪˈper.ɪd.nəs
n. the state of being ready or prepared for something, especially a potential challenge or emergency.
The word "preparedness" traces back to the Latin praeparare (prae- "before" + parare "make ready"), which evolved into the English verb "prepare." The suffix -ed forms the past participle, implying completion, while -ness converts the adjective "prepared" into a noun describing the state of readiness. The term gained prominence in the early 20th century, particularly in military and disaster contexts, emphasizing proactive readiness.
The country's pandemic preparedness prevented widespread chaos.
Her emotional preparedness helped her handle the crisis calmly.
Schools now prioritize disaster preparedness drills.
Lack of financial preparedness left many vulnerable during the recession.
The team’s preparedness was evident in their flawless execution.