English Reference
Noun

eagerness

n.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈiɡɝnəs/ UK /ˈiːɡənəs/ ea·ger·ness UK spelling eagernesses

n.a strong feeling of wanting to do something or to get something. You use this when you are very excited and ready to start a task.

n.a strong desire or enthusiasm for something. Often used to describe a state of readiness or a high level of motivation.


SIMPLE

She showed great eagerness to learn the new software.

CONTEXTUAL

The eagerness of the young athletes to win the championship was evident in their every movement on the field.

COMPLEX

While the committee appreciated the eagerness of the volunteers, they noted that a more systematic approach to the project was necessary to ensure long-term success.

But we should be careful that in our eagerness to draw grand conclusions from his story, we don’t end up concocting another lie.

The Guardian· 12 Aug 2026

From Middle English egernesse, egrenesse; equivalent to eager + -ness.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English egernesse
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated