willingness

[ wil-ing-nis ]

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.

Other Words From

• o·ver·will·ing·ness noun
• pre·will·ing·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of willingness¹

willing ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

Earlier this month, Qatar announced that it had paused its efforts to broker a Gaza ceasefire and said they would only resume “when the parties show willingness and seriousness to end the brutal war”.

From BBC

New York prosecutors have vowed to oppose President-elect Donald Trump’s effort to overturn his criminal conviction, but they expressed a willingness to wait to sentence him until he completes his upcoming presidential term.

From BBC

Russia's biggest advantage is manpower and it has shown a willingness to throw soldiers at Ukrainian positions to gain a few metres at a time.

From BBC

Speaking about the agreement, the Danish minister for climate, energy and utilities, Lars Aagaard, said it showed the country’s “willingness to act”.

From BBC

“Most politicians have learned that there's no upside to being anti-crypto, and so I think there's going to be a willingness to get something done.”

From Salon

Related Words

• eagerness
• enthusiasm