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. )

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."

Example Sentences

“The Ukrainians have displayed a willingness to explore ways to cooperate, and it’s been reciprocated.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026

Public trust requires both accountability and a willingness to learn from every aspect of a disaster response.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

For Massie's supporters, it's evidence of the congressman's willingness to fight for his principles, consequences be damned.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

“There’s a lot more happening in the background that is targeting and squeezing each consumer’s willingness to pay.”

From Salon • May 18, 2026

The kind of hope that creates a willingness to position oneself in a hopeless place and be a witness, that allows one to believe in a better future, even in the face of abusive power.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Related Words

• eagerness
• enthusiasm