preparedness
gb/pɹipˈɛɹɪdnəs/ us/pɹipˈɛɹɪdnəs/
B2
English
~ 7500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
state
1
the state of being ready
The state of being ready for something, with what you need and a plan in mind.
Usage pattern:
preparedness for [something]
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse "preparedness" with "preparation". Use "preparedness" for the general state of being ready (e.g., "emergency preparedness"), and "preparation" for the actions you take to get ready (e.g., "the preparation of the report"). Also, "preparedness" is usually uncountable, so avoid saying *"a preparedness"*; instead say "a high level of preparedness" or simply "preparedness".
Synonyms
readiness (Very close in meaning; a more common everyday word that does not always suggest planning in detail.)
|
alertness (Stresses being mentally awake and watchful, less about having plans and equipment.)
Antonyms
unpreparedness (Direct opposite; clearly states that someone or something is not ready.)
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unreadiness (Formal word for not being ready; less common in everyday speech.)
Collocations
emergency preparedness
|disaster preparedness
|military preparedness
|level of preparedness
|lack of preparedness
|preparedness training
Themes
safety
|work
|politics
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The country's lack of preparedness for the storm led to widespread damage.
- Good emergency preparedness can save lives during an earthquake.
- Her preparedness for the interview impressed the hiring committee.
- The report questioned the military's preparedness for a long conflict.
- Regular drills are held to improve the team's preparedness for crises.
Learner examples
- Their preparedness for the test helped them feel calm.
- The city is working on its preparedness for floods.
- Good preparedness means you have a plan and the right tools.
- We talked about our family's preparedness for a fire.
- The teacher praised the students' preparedness for class.
Grammar
Dictionary form
preparedness
IPA
GB/pɹipˈɛɹɪdnəs/
US/pɹipˈɛɹɪdnəs/
Syllables & stress
pre - pared - ness (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (pared)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: preparedness
- Plural: preparedness
Word family
Core family
Negative and opposite forms
unprepared
adjective
unpreparedness
noun
Advanced or less common
preparatory
adjective B2
Expressions
disaster preparedness
1/dɪzˈæstɚ pɹipˈɛɹɪdnəs/
fixed phrase
being ready for major disasters
The state of being ready for very serious events such as floods, earthquakes, or large storms.
Examples
- The government increased funding for disaster preparedness after the hurricane.
- Good disaster preparedness includes food, water, and a clear plan.
emergency preparedness
1/ɪmˈɚd͡ʒənsi pɹipˈɛɹɪdnəs/
fixed phrase
being ready for emergencies
The state of being ready for sudden dangerous events, such as fires, earthquakes, or accidents.
Examples
- The school runs drills to improve emergency preparedness.
- Emergency preparedness is a key part of the city's safety plan.
lack of preparedness
1/lˈæk əv pɹipˈɛɹɪdnəs/
fixed phrase
condition of not being ready
The situation when people or organizations are not ready for something.
Examples
- Their lack of preparedness was obvious when the power went out.
- The review highlighted a serious lack of preparedness for future crises.
level of preparedness
1/lˈɛvəl əv pɹipˈɛɹɪdnəs/
fixed phrase
degree to which you are ready
How ready someone or something is for a situation, measured in some way (for example, low or high).
Examples
- We were surprised by the high level of preparedness among volunteers.
- The report criticized the low level of preparedness in local hospitals.
state of preparedness
1/stˈeɪt əv pɹipˈɛɹɪdnəs/
fixed phrase
formal
particular condition of readiness
How ready something is at a certain time.
Examples
- The army remains in a high state of preparedness.
- The committee reviewed the company's state of preparedness before the audit.