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.
In reality, even a monopolist wouldn’t be able to extract all consumer surplus, because of the presence of alternatives and the inability to fully know consumers’ willingness to pay.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 11, 2026
Still, the president has shown a dogged willingness to try, try again.
From Slate ● Oct. 9, 2026
“We deeply appreciated their contributions to AI safety and their willingness to speak up and challenge ideas,” the leader wrote.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026
Mann says Alexander will be remembered for the opportunities he created for others and his willingness to challenge racism in football – and that should never be forgotten.
From BBC ● Oct. 5, 2026
All that is required of you is a willingness to trudge.
From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson
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.
