in readiness

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

read•i•ness  (red′ē nis), n. 

1. the condition of being ready.
2. ready movement;
   promptness;
   quickness.
3. ready action;
   ease;
   facility.
4. willingness;
   inclination;
   cheerful consent:
   a readiness to help others.
5. Developmental Biology, Psychology a developmental stage at which a child has the capacity to receive instruction at a given level of difficulty or to engage in a particular activity.

• Middle English redyness(e). See ready, -ness 1350–1400

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

readiness / ˈrɛdɪnɪs/ noun

1. the state of being ready or prepared, as for use or action
2. in readiness ⇒ prepared and waiting: all was in readiness for the guests' arrival
3. in preparation: he tidied the house in readiness for the guests' arrival
4. willingness or eagerness to do something
5. ease or promptness