Unwillingness

/ˌʌnˈwɪl.ɪŋ.nəs/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The quality or state of being reluctant or not inclined to do something.

Her unwillingness to participate in the discussion surprised everyone.

A lack of willingness or eagerness to engage in a particular activity or action.

The team's unwillingness to adapt to new strategies hindered their success.

A disposition towards avoidance or resistance to undertaking a task or obligation.

His unwillingness to compromise made the negotiation process difficult.

The absence of readiness or inclination to act.

Despite the challenges ahead, their unwillingness to give up was commendable.

Derived from 'unwilling', meaning not inclined to do something, plus the suffix '-ness' which denotes a state or condition.

unwilling participant

Someone who participates in an activity reluctantly.

unwilling worker

An employee who is resistant or hesitant about completing tasks.

unwilling volunteer

A person who does not want to volunteer for a task or project.

reluctance

A feeling of not wanting to do something.

aversion

A strong dislike or disinclination towards something.

disinclination

A lack of inclination or desire.

No way

When they asked him to jump in, his response was just 'No way!' showing his unwillingness.

Check out

She said she'd check out the party, but her body language screamed unwillingness.