Meaning & Definition of Unwillingness in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: A lack of desire or readiness to do something.

  Example Sentence: Her unwillingness to participate in the discussion was evident.

• Definition: The quality of being reluctant or resistant to an action or obligation.

  Example Sentence: His unwillingness to compromise led to a breakdown in negotiations.

• Definition: Refusal to accept or engage.

  Example Sentence: Their unwillingness to follow the rules created chaos.

Etymology

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

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• 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.

Translations

• Spanish: renuencia

• French: réticence

• German: Unwilligkeit

• Russian: нежелание

Related Words

• reluctance: A feeling of not wanting to do something.

• aversion: A strong dislike or disinclination towards something.

• disinclination: A lack of inclination or desire.

Slang Meanings of unwillingness

• Meaning: No way

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

• Meaning: Check out

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