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

Teams have shown a willingness to bet sizable amounts on prospects in the hopes of securing a bargain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen told Prime Minister Mark Carney on Wednesday that "teamwork is willingness" during an Earth-to-space call celebrating the achievements of the historic lunar journey.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

But he signaled Amazon’s willingness to endure these near-term headwinds for the long-term payoff.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

Iran's apparent willingness to re-open the Strait now suggests that some of the pressures that have mounted on the global economy over the past month may start to ease.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

She suggested her willingness to once again lecture on behalf of the faith.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Related Words

• eagerness
• enthusiasm