unwillingness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unwillingness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of desire or reluctance to do something. Example: "Her unwillingness to compromise made negotiations difficult."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She added: "This is further evidence that Paterson's unwillingness to accept the science on climate change is leading him to make the wrong choices on spending cuts within his department".

The Guardian

Related: Miliband: I won't have Labour government if it means SNP deal Aside from one and a half debates, stage-managed to the point of absolute stiltedness, the party leaders have shown such a terminal unwillingness to be seen in each other's company that I've started to develop three key theories about them.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 2.25pm ET19:25 Fox News' Ed Henry is no longer asking Carney about the president's unwillingness to negotiate.

The Guardian

The last straw, he said, was the government's unwillingness to assist the Syrian-Kurdish border town of Kobani during the attack by Islamic State last year.

The Guardian

Syrian rebels' intransigence and their unwillingness to attend without preconditions are the main reason for the failure of Geneva so far.

The Guardian - Opinion

And yet the wariness, the unwillingness to give him the benefit of the doubt as many did in 2010, is palpable and should worry Tory HQ as it heads down the final straight.

The Guardian

More generally, the unwillingness to accept taxation, regulation and collective action that marketisation brings in its train reduces a society's ability to generate the high-quality human and physical infrastructure that an economy needs, but which is only with difficulty achieved through the market itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

Accountability, he insists, is all important in a politician, and he has been astonished by Cameron's unwillingness to defend his record in the televised debates.

The Guardian

Fixtures such as an Ayrshire derby, clearly attractive and lucrative, have been lost amid an unwillingness to move towards league expansion.

The Guardian - Sport

The human rights group claimed the military was warned an attack was imminent but did not send reinforcements because of a lack of resources and an unwillingness to engage with well-armed insurgents.

The Guardian

It was his unwillingness to see the other point of view and inability to take people with him that were his weaknesses.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unwillingness", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the lack of willingness. This provides a more complete understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "unwillingness" when simple inability is the actual issue. "Unwillingness" implies a conscious choice, whereas inability suggests a lack of capacity.

Linguistic Context

Unwillingness functions primarily as a noun, representing the state or quality of being unwilling. Ludwig confirms this. It often appears as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a person's or entity's lack of desire or readiness to perform a certain action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Unknown

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unwillingness" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that describes the state of not being willing. As highlighted by Ludwig, it commonly appears in news and media contexts. When using this term, it's important to ensure that it accurately reflects a conscious choice rather than a mere inability. Alternatives such as "reluctance" or "hesitancy" can provide similar meaning with subtle differences. This analysis underscores the importance of precise word choice in conveying the intended message effectively. The phrase is considered correct and usable in written English according to Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reluctance

Similar in meaning, referring to a lack of enthusiasm or desire to do something.

Disinclination

Indicates a lack of willingness or a mild aversion to something.

Refusal

A direct and firm indication of unwillingness to do something.

Hesitancy

Refers to a pause or delay due to uncertainty or reluctance.

Aversion

Suggests a strong dislike or unwillingness.

Opposition

Implies a resistance or disagreement, leading to unwillingness.

Resistance

Indicates an act of opposing or withstanding, showing unwillingness to comply.

Objection

Expresses disapproval or opposition, highlighting unwillingness to accept something.

Disagreement

Indicates a lack of consensus or alignment, leading to unwillingness to cooperate.

Noncompliance

Signifies a failure or refusal to adhere to rules or requests, displaying unwillingness.

FAQs

How can I use "unwillingness" in a sentence?

You can use "unwillingness" to describe a lack of desire or reluctance. For example: "His unwillingness to compromise led to a breakdown in negotiations."

What are some alternatives to the word "unwillingness"?

Alternatives include "reluctance", "disinclination", or "hesitancy", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "unwillingness" or "inability"?

"Unwillingness" implies a choice not to do something, while "inability" suggests a lack of capacity. Choose the word that accurately reflects the situation.

What's the difference between "unwillingness" and "resistance"?

"Unwillingness" is a general lack of desire or enthusiasm, while "resistance" implies active opposition or defiance.