willingness

American  

[wil-ing-nis] / ˈwɪl ɪŋ nɪs /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• overwillingness noun
• prewillingness noun

Etymology

Origin of willingness

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

Example Sentences

That letter needs to be sent with a willingness to listen "and hear that there may be other possibilities outside of the story I am telling".

From BBC

Whether that willingness translates into meaningful change on the ground remains uncertain.

From BBC

“On behalf of our more than 400,000 employees, we celebrate his nomination and his willingness to serve our country in this key role.”

From Barron's

The writing here feels uninhibited; all it asks of readers is a willingness to follow—and to let themselves be consumed.

From The Wall Street Journal

The deft integration of story and song, and the willingness to tackle thorny themes through complex characters, are the enduring hallmarks of their shows.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• eagerness
• enthusiasm