unwillingness
/ʌnˈwɪlɪŋnəs/ (bre, ipa) · [ənwˈɪlɪŋnɪs] /ʌnˈwɪlɪŋnəs/ (ame, ipa)
unwillingness — noun
1. The condition of being mentally opposed to doing something — shown when a person
The condition of being mentally opposed to doing something — shown when a person avoids a task, turns down a request, or makes excuses rather than acting.
Caleb showed an unwillingness to share his study notes with the rest of the group.
unwillingness + to-infinitive after show
The manager grew frustrated with the team's unwillingness to try the new system.
possessive + unwillingness + to-infinitive
Liang's unwillingness to apologize made the quarrel last much longer.
The doctor noticed a clear unwillingness in the patient to follow the treatment plan.
There was a strong unwillingness among the staff to work extra hours on public holidays.
- reluctance
suggests hesitation rather than outright refusal; milder than unwillingness
- disinclination
more formal and weaker — a lack of personal interest rather than active objection
- resistance
stronger — active opposition or fighting against doing something
- willingness
the opposite state — wanting and being ready to do something
- eagerness
stronger than willingness — keen and enthusiastic desire to act
文法句型
[possessive] unwillingness + to-infinitive
there + be + (a) + unwillingness + among/between + noun phrase + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Uncountable noun — no plural form. Commonly followed by a to-infinitive clause that specifies the action the person avoids. The possessive form before the noun (e.g. his unwillingness, the team's unwillingness) is very frequent in both speech and writing.