willingness
Americannoun
-
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.
-
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
Etymology
Origin of willingness
Explanation
If someone's willing, he has the quality of willingness, which can vary from meaning "prepared," to "enthusiastic," like your little brother's eager willingness to help walk the dog. If your troop of Girl Scouts has a willingness to try anything, it means they stay cheerful and ready, even if they're hiking through a prickly field of thistles. When something is done with willingness, there is no sense of resentment or hesitation. The word's origin lies in the Old English wyllan, "to wish, desire, or want."
Vocabulary lists containing willingness
"Fears and Phobias"
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The Benefits of Being an Octopus
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The Rock and the River
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Willingness is a huge ingredient in a successful team," said the Artemis II crewmember, who added he can't wait to share more images and experiences with the people of Canada upon return.
From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026
The lesson is straightforward, says Workhelix Chief Executive James Milin: Willingness to experiment, not the business role, is the most important factor determining workers’ eagerness to adopt AI.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025
Willingness to pay for scenarios in which large animal species were present was almost three times larger than for restoring the most natural landscape elements.
From Science Daily • Jan. 22, 2024
Willingness to sell was unchanged in July, according to the survey, with 64% of respondents indicating that now was a good time to sell - unchanged from the month prior.
From Reuters • Aug. 7, 2023
Willingness to hire people with criminal records is greatest in construction or manufacturing—industries that require little customer contact—and weakest in retail trade and other service sector businesses.
From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
