willingness

[wil-ing-nis]

noun

1. consent or readiness to do something.

   The majority of the neighborhood’s older residents were employed, and younger people showed a willingness to work but often could not find jobs.

2. an inclination or preference: The country has shown no sign of willingness to make concessions.

   We admire her willingness to stand up for what she believes.

   The country has shown no sign of willingness to make concessions.

Other Word Forms

• overwillingness noun
• prewillingness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of willingness¹

willing ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

Based on past experience, one should never underestimate the willingness of some in the party to delude themselves into believing the GOP might operate in good faith.

From Salon

Hence their willingness to fire employees or deplatform entertainers who do not toe the party line.

From Salon

Their absence makes Hansen’s willingness to sit down for a cross-examination feel especially admirable.

From Los Angeles Times

In Shirley, Muhammad's complaint is not the number of officers, but their apparent lack of power or willingness to tackle the teenagers.

From BBC

Don-Innes will make a statement to parliament on Wednesday afternoon where she is expected to confirm her willingness to allow the bill to progress to stage two.

From BBC

Related Words

• eagerness 
• enthusiasm