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

The digital asset often acts as a proxy for risk appetite, with gains reflecting investors’ willingness to take on risk and declines signaling growing caution.

Read more on Barron's

He noted that both sides have shown a willingness to inflict pain, a reason for each to avoid taking steps that could provoke too dramatic a response.

Read more on Barron's

Dhaka has formally requested her extradition but so far India has shown no willingness to comply.

Read more on BBC

What began as an internal investigation has grown into a crisis, shaking confidence in the church's governance, its leadership and its willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.

Read more on BBC

The willingness by the chancellor to take political pain, in the form of breaking tax rate manifesto promises, in order to restrain borrowing in a straightforward way, is a plus for the bond vigilantes.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• eagerness 
• enthusiasm