unwilling to function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unwilling to function" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person, system, or object that is not ready or able to perform its intended role or task. Example: "The old printer was unwilling to function, leaving us unable to print the important documents we needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If gamers become unable or unwilling to function in the "real" world, we need to take action.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They may be unwilling to go quietly.

The Economist

His party is unwilling to go farther.

The Economist

They became unwilling to go to the PCHC.

BMC Nursing

As long as they are unwilling to support market functioning and make new loans, spending will sag and asset prices will slide.

The New York Times

"The opposition - specially the BJP - is unwilling to allow the parliament to function," Mr Chidambaram told a press conference in Delhi on Friday.

BBC

Alternatively, those who maintain challenging educational or practical concerns may be unwilling to admit declines in cognitive functioning.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

For consumers unwilling to choose between style and function, one popular solution is extended life batteries from smart-phone accessory maker Seidio.

Forbes

People will be excluded from the study if they are Hoehn & Yahr Stage V, non-ambulatory, or have co-existing neurological conditions which are related to significant motor and cognitive function impairment, are unwilling to provide informed consent, or to participate in a clinical trial.

BMC Geriatrics

If Mr. Safer and others like him are unwilling to make the effort, the art world functions just fine without them.

The New York Times - Arts

It is often assumed that persons are unwilling to answer questions about sexual and urinary function.

BMC Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unwilling to function" to describe systems or individuals that, despite being capable, are choosing not to operate as expected. This implies a degree of volition or choice, rather than an inherent inability.

Common error

Avoid using "unwilling to function" when describing something that is inherently broken or incapable of functioning. "Unable to function" is more appropriate when volition is not a factor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unwilling to function" acts as an adjective phrase modifying a noun (implied or stated), describing its state of not being willing or ready to perform its designated task. Ludwig examples demonstrate this usage across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unwilling to function" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, that describes a lack of willingness or readiness to operate. While not overly common, the phrase appears in a variety of contexts, including News & Media and Science. It's important to use this phrase when volition is a factor, and to consider alternative phrasings like "unable to operate" or "incapable of functioning" depending on the intended nuance. Understanding the specific context and appropriate alternatives ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to operate

Focuses on the inability to operate, whether due to external factors or internal limitations.

incapable of functioning

Highlights the lack of capability to perform a task or role.

not able to work

Emphasizes the inability to work or perform a job.

reluctant to perform

Shifts the focus to reluctance, suggesting a willingness is present but overridden by other factors.

disinclined to operate

Indicates a lack of inclination or desire to operate.

resistant to functioning

Highlights resistance, suggesting an active opposition to functioning.

opposed to operating

Implies a more forceful opposition to operating, suggesting active disapproval.

unfit to function

Focuses on the unsuitability or lack of fitness to perform a function.

hesitant to work

Emphasizes the hesitation or reluctance to engage in work.

failing to function

Highlights the failure or inability to properly function.

FAQs

How can I use "unwilling to function" in a sentence?

You can use "unwilling to function" to describe something that is choosing not to operate as intended, like "The outdated software was "unwilling to function" with the new operating system".

What's a good alternative to "unwilling to function"?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases like "unable to operate", "incapable of functioning", or "reluctant to perform".

What's the difference between "unable to function" and "unwilling to function"?

"Unable to function" refers to a lack of capability, while "unwilling to function" implies a choice or reluctance. "Unable" suggests an inherent limitation, while "unwilling" suggests a volitional decision.

Is it correct to say something is "unwilling to function", or should I use a different phrasing?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms that "unwilling to function" is correct and usable in written English, to describe something that is not ready or able to perform its intended role or task.