Word
unwillingness
Phoneticsun·will·ing·ness, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈwɪɫɪŋnɪs/
UK/ʌnwˈɪlɪŋnəs/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the feeling of not wanting to do something. It is the opposite of being ready or happy to help.
n. the state of being reluctant or hesitant to perform an action. Often implies a lack of cooperation or a deliberate choice to refuse.
Examples
“Her unwillingness to share the secret caused many problems.”
“The project failed because of the team's unwillingness to work together on weekends.”
“The diplomat noted that the government's unwillingness to compromise on border security would likely lead to a breakdown in the peace negotiations.”
Examples
simple
“Her unwillingness to share the secret caused many problems.”
contextual
“The project failed because of the team's unwillingness to work together on weekends.”
complex
“The diplomat noted that the government's unwillingness to compromise on border security would likely lead to a breakdown in the peace negotiations.”
Usage
Typically followed by the infinitive 'to' and a verb.
Real-World Examples
“It may be our growing unwillingness to curiously, thoughtfully and openly communicate about the role technology plays in our lives.” “The effect is specific: It is envy itself—the unwillingness to let others have more—that is reinforced when we vote together.” Etymology
From unwilling + -ness.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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