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Uncooperative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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uncooperative

[ˌʌn.koʊˈɒpər.ə.tɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Not willing to work together or follow instructions; unwilling to cooperate.

Synonyms

defiant, stubborn, unwilling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uncooperative

This word is best used when someone is not willing to work together in a group or team setting. It can be used in both formal and informal situations and is more neutral compared to other options.

  • John was uncooperative during the project meeting, making it hard for the team to make decisions.
  • The child was uncooperative when the doctor asked him to sit still.
unwilling

This word describes someone who does not want to do something, often without showing overt resistance. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts and carries a neutral to mildly negative connotation.

  • He was unwilling to participate in the experiment because it seemed too risky.
  • They're unwilling to compromise on the contract terms.
stubborn

This word is often used for someone who is very difficult to persuade or unwilling to change their mind easily. It has a mildly negative connotation and is typically used in personal or informal settings.

  • Despite several attempts to convince him, he remained stubborn about his decision to quit the job.
  • She's so stubborn that she refused to ask for directions even though we were lost.
defiant

Use this word to describe someone who openly resists or challenges authority, often in a bold or aggressive manner. It has a negative connotation and is suited for more intense situations.

  • The protestors were defiant, refusing to disperse even when police arrived.
  • The teenager's defiant behavior worried his parents and teachers.

Examples of usage

  • He was uncooperative during the group project.
  • The suspect was uncooperative with the police investigation.
Context #2 | Adjective

attitude

Showing a lack of willingness to help or assist.

Synonyms

obstructive, unaccommodating, unhelpful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uncooperative

Best used when someone is not willing to work together or help with a task.

  • The employee was uncooperative during the team project, refusing to share information
unhelpful

Used when describing someone who is not providing assistance or making a situation easier.

  • The customer service representative was unhelpful, providing no solution to the issue
obstructive

Used when someone is intentionally causing difficulties or problems, especially to stop something from happening.

  • The new rules faced obstructive opposition from the committee members
unaccommodating

Appropriate when referring to someone who is not willing to adapt or be flexible to meet others' needs.

  • The landlord was unaccommodating, refusing to make any repairs to the apartment

Examples of usage

  • Her uncooperative attitude made it difficult to resolve the issue.
  • The customer service was uncooperative in addressing the complaint.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Uncooperative behavior can stem from a variety of factors, including individual personality traits and past experiences.
  • Social psychologists study cooperation and uncooperative behavior to understand group dynamics and conflict resolution.
  • Research shows that people might be uncooperative if they feel their needs or opinions are not valued by the group.

Education

  • In classroom settings, uncooperative students can impact the learning environment, making it challenging for teachers and peers.
  • Teachers often develop strategies to engage uncooperative students, promoting a more inclusive atmosphere.
  • Cooperative learning is a teaching approach that encourages collaboration, contrasting sharply with uncooperative attitudes.

Workplace Dynamics

  • Uncooperative behavior in the workplace can lead to decreased team performance and overall job satisfaction.
  • Effective communication and mediation techniques are important to address uncooperative interactions among colleagues.
  • Many organizations invest in team-building activities to foster cooperation and reduce instances of uncooperative behavior.

Pop Culture

  • In films and books, uncooperative characters often create tension and conflict, driving the story forward.
  • Popular television shows often depict uncooperative characters in humorous situations, highlighting the absurdity of refusing to cooperate.
  • Video games frequently contain uncooperative characters as antagonists, challenging players to strategize and overcome their resistance.

Origin of 'uncooperative'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', and 'cooperative', which means 'working together'.
  • It first appeared in the English language around the early 20th century, coinciding with changes in social behavior discussions.
  • The roots of 'cooperate' can be traced back to the Latin word 'cooperari', meaning 'to work together'.

The word 'uncooperative' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of' and the word 'cooperative' meaning 'willing to work together'. It first appeared in the mid-19th century and has since been used to describe individuals or actions that are not inclined to collaborate or assist others.

See also: cooperating, cooperation, cooperative, cooperatively, cooperativeness, uncooperativeness.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,890, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.