What does readying mean?
“Readying” means making or getting ready, especially by preparing equipment, arranging a space, or completing practical tasks before an event. It is the -ing form of the verb “ready” and is used when an action is in progress or when one activity functions as preparation for another. For example, a crew may be readying a stage, while a soldier is being readied for deployment. The word is common in news, military, institutional, and carefully descriptive writing, though “preparing” is often more natural in everyday conversation. It can also be used reflexively, as in “she readied herself for the interview.” Overall, “readying” emphasizes the preparatory process rather than the completed state of being ready.
To make something or someone ready, especially by preparing, arranging, or equipping it for a future activity.
"The soldiers were readied for deployment."
Common in formal, military, institutional, and descriptive contexts. The form is especially frequent with objects, groups, and places.
To get oneself ready, especially mentally or physically for an upcoming activity.
"She readied herself for the difficult conversation."
Often used reflexively and frequently occurs in written or formal registers.
“Readying” is the word for the work that happens before the big moment: the room is readying, the team is readying, and then the event begins.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does readying come from?
“Readying” is formed from “ready” with the present-participle and gerund suffix -ing. The adjective and verb “ready” come from Old English rǣdig, related in meaning to preparedness or being prepared. The modern form developed through Middle English usage, while words such as “readiness” and “readily” continue to share the same lexical root.
Related word forms
How readying is actually used
“Readying” is less common than “preparing” or “getting ready,” but it is especially natural in formal or descriptive writing and in phrases such as “readying the troops.”
Easily confused with readying
“Ready” can function as an adjective, meaning prepared, or as a verb, meaning to prepare; “readying” is specifically the verb’s present-participle or gerund form.