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

The quits rate can serve as a measure of workers’ willingness or ability to leave their job.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Harry Redknapp, now 79 and sacked by Spurs in 2012, has made his willingness to step in clear, as has another former manager Glenn Hoddle.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

Their ability to enact change depended on their willingness to defy current custom and mores.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

That shift in culture probably contributed to the willingness of the women Chávez is accused of assaulting to come forward as well, said Maria Quintana, associate professor of history at Sacramento State University.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

Greg Lippmann watched his counterparts at Goldman Sachs find and exploit someone else’s willingness to sell huge amounts of cheap insurance on subprime mortgage bonds and pretty much instantly guessed the seller’s identity.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Related Words

• eagerness
• enthusiasm