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Unwillingness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unwillingness

[ʌnˈwɪlɪŋnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

lack of

Unwillingness is the state of being reluctant or hesitant to do something. It is a lack of readiness or eagerness to engage in a particular activity or task. Unwillingness can stem from various reasons such as fear, lack of interest, or disagreement.

Synonyms

hesitancy, reluctance, resistance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unwillingness

Used to describe a situation where there is no desire or interest to do something.

  • Her unwillingness to help was evident from the start.
  • The team's unwillingness to change their strategy led to failure.
reluctance

Indicates a feeling of being not eager or interested in doing something, often combined with a sense of obligation.

  • He agreed to come with a lot of reluctance.
  • She showed reluctance to speak in front of a large audience.
hesitancy

Refers to a moment of pause or doubt before making a decision, often due to uncertainty.

  • There was hesitancy in his voice when he answered the question.
  • Her hesitancy to submit the report on time almost got her in trouble.
resistance

Describes active opposition or pushback against something, often a change or new idea.

  • There was considerable resistance to the new policy.
  • His resistance to authority got him into trouble.

Examples of usage

  • She showed unwillingness to participate in the team project.
  • His unwillingness to compromise led to a deadlock in negotiations.
  • Their unwillingness to adapt to change hindered their progress.
Context #2 | Noun

opposite of

Unwillingness can also refer to the absence of willingness or the opposite of being eager or enthusiastic. It denotes a lack of desire or inclination to perform a certain action.

Synonyms

apathy, disinclination, reluctance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unwillingness

Use this word when there is a clear or explicit refusal or lack of desire to do something. It often reflects a strong resistance or opposition.

  • Her unwillingness to attend the meeting was evident from her cold response.
  • The child's unwillingness to eat vegetables puzzled the parents.
reluctance

This word is suited for situations where someone is hesitant or unwilling but may still do what is asked of them. The unwillingness is apparent but not strong enough to refuse outright.

  • His reluctance to speak in public was evident in his trembling voice.
  • The employee's reluctance to accept the new policy was discussed during the meeting.
disinclination

Disinclination refers to a mild or moderate unwillingness or aversion to do something. It implies a preference not to do something rather than a strong opposition.

  • She showed a disinclination to join the evening gala.
  • Despite his disinclination, he reluctantly agreed to help.
apathy

This word describes a general lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. It often implies a deeper indifference and emotional disengagement.

  • The manager's apathy towards the team's problems led to low morale.
  • His apathy about the election results surprised his friends.

Examples of usage

  • Her unwillingness to help her colleagues was evident.
  • The student's unwillingness to learn was a cause of concern for the teacher.

Translations

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

Origin of 'unwillingness'

The word 'unwillingness' originated from the combination of 'un-' as a prefix meaning 'not' and 'willingness' which comes from the Old English word 'willan' meaning 'to wish' or 'to be willing'. Over time, 'unwillingness' has evolved to signify a state of reluctance or lack of readiness.

See also: wilful, will, willful, willing, willingly, willow, willpower.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,177, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.