Definition

The state of not wanting to do something or being reluctant to do it.

Example

Her unwillingness to participate in the project surprised everyone.

Conversation

I noticed you showed some unwillingness to join the team activities last week.

Yeah, I just wasn't feeling up to it that day.

I totally get that; sometimes it's hard to be social.

Exactly! It's not that I don't want to participate, just my mood was off.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unwillingness → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "willing" (from Old English "willan", meaning to wish or desire) and "-ness" (meaning a state or condition). The word "unwillingness" describes the state of not wishing or desiring to do something.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') wanting to do something ('willing') — that's why unwillingness means the state of not wanting to do something.

Visually Confused Words