preparedness
pruh-PARE-ed-ness
/prɪˈpeərɪdnəs/
A state of readiness, especially for a disaster or emergency.
Preparedness is a continuous state of being ready, involving planning, training, and resource allocation.
The story behind the word. The word combines the Latin prefix 'pre-' (before) and 'parare' (to make ready). It implies doing the work before the event occurs. The suffix '-ness' turns the adjective 'prepared' into a noun representing a state of being.
Word relationships
- readiness: A more general term for being prepared for any immediate action.
- vigilance: The action or state of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.
- unpreparedness: The state of not being ready for something.
- negligence: Failure to take proper care in doing something.
Commonly confused with
- preparation: Preparation is the act of making ready (e.g., 'the preparation of a meal'); preparedness is the state of being ready (e.g., 'disaster preparedness').
Word family
- prepare (verb): To make ready for use or consideration.
- prepared (adjective): Ready to do or deal with something.
Collocations
- disaster preparedness
- emergency preparedness
- military preparedness
- level of preparedness
Example sentences
- "The hurricane's low death toll was attributed to the high level of community preparedness and early warning systems." Emergency Management
- "Pandemic preparedness requires global cooperation and the stockpiling of essential medical supplies." Public Health
Memory hook
Think of 'Pre-Paired': you are already paired with the tools you need before the disaster hits. Preparedness is being ready *before* the mess.
When not to use
Do not use 'preparation' when referring to the long-term state of readiness; 'preparation' is usually a specific act.
Fun facts
- The 'Prepper' subculture takes preparedness to an extreme, often building bunkers for 'End of the World' scenarios.
- The Red Cross uses 'Preparedness' as a technical term for the phase of the disaster cycle that precedes 'Response'.
Related words
Explore more words
precaution, vigilance, emergency, preservation, deployment, contingency
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