willingness
Americannoun
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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.
-
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
Etymology
Origin of willingness
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."
Vocabulary lists containing willingness
"Fears and Phobias"
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The Benefits of Being an Octopus
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The Rock and the River
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The willingness to view Mazraoui as a left-back option was helped by the performances of Leny Yoro in pre-season.
From BBC ● Sep. 2, 2026
Then in July, he spooked markets for the opposite reason, making several statements that made investors question his willingness to back up his words on inflation with actual policy changes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 28, 2026
A big part of that was her willingness to laugh at herself and the many punchlines seemingly made at her expense.
From Salon ● Aug. 26, 2026
Canada’s leadership has indicated for months a willingness to fight against perceived bullying by the United States.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 25, 2026
The League’s success depended on the willingness of governments to cooperate.
From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
