BharatNotes Preparedness
noun (abstract, uncountable)Usage in a UPSC answer
India's experience with successive cyclones demonstrates that institutional preparedness — early-warning systems, pre-positioned relief, and well-rehearsed evacuation protocols under the NDMA — saves far more lives than reactive relief disbursed after a disaster strikes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
prepare (v), prepared (adj), preparation (n), preparatory (adj), unprepared (adj)
Root
Latin praeparāre = to make ready beforehand; prae- = before; parāre = to make ready; -ness suffix
Etymology
From English prepared + -ness; prepared from Latin praeparāre ("to make ready beforehand"), from prae- ("before") + parāre ("to make ready"); the noun first attested in English in the 1590s.
Memory Hook
Break it down: "PREPARED + ness" — from Latin prae- ('before') + parare ('to make ready'). Picture an army made ready BEFORE the battle: to be prepared is to have done your readying in advance.
How This Word Works in UPSC Writing
The knowledge, capacities and arrangements developed in advance so that an anticipated hazard can be responded to effectively. Under the Sendai Framework it is the fourth priority for action, enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to Build Back Better in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction. The concrete components to name are drills, pre-positioned relief material, trained volunteers, tested warning dissemination and clear pre-delegated authority to act.
Don’t Confuse It With
Preparedness builds capacity before the event. Prevention seeks to avoid the hazard's impact entirely. Mitigation reduces the severity of consequences. Response is action during and immediately after, and preparedness is what determines how well response performs.
Hindi Meaning
तैयारी (taiyārī) or आपदा पूर्व तैयारी.
Common Questions
- What is preparedness in disaster management?
- The knowledge, capacities and institutional arrangements developed in advance so that an anticipated hazard can be responded to effectively.
- Where does preparedness sit in the Sendai Framework?
- It is the fourth priority for action, covering preparedness for effective response and Building Back Better in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Seen in UPSC Question Papers
- Prelims 2023 — Disaster Management
- Prelims 2022 — Disaster Management
- Mains 2023 · GS1 · 15 marks — Geography
- Mains 2019 · GS3 · 15 marks — Disaster Management
- Mains 2017 · GS3 · 15 marks — Disaster Management
- Mains 2016 · GS3 · 12.5 marks — Disaster Management / Environment
Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Preparedness” — proof this word earns its place on your list.
Tip: press Alt+S to hear pronunciation
