English Reference
Noun

unwillingness

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ənˈwɪɫɪŋnɪs/ UK /ʌnwˈɪlɪŋnəs/ un·will·ing·ness UK spelling unwillingnesses

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.


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.

The effect is specific: It is envy itself—the unwillingness to let others have more—that is reinforced when we vote together.

Phys.org· 27 Aug 2026

From unwilling + -ness.

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

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated