uncooperative

adjective

un·​co·​op·​er·​at·​ive ˌən-kō-ˈä-p(ə-)rə-tiv 

-ˈä-pə-ˌrā-

: marked by an unwillingness or inability to work with others : not cooperative

The suspect was uncooperative with investigators.

an uncooperative witness

… he wonders whether it would be such a bad thing if their uncooperative nanny quit …

—Caitlin Flanagan

also : providing difficulty

struggled with an uncooperative corkscrew

uncooperative weather

Examples of uncooperative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the sheriff, Joyce’s roommate has been uncooperative during the investigation. — Yana Johnson, NBC news, 29 July 2026

Now, Schroeder says FAST responds right away and ensures cases don't fall through the cracks, even when witnesses are uncooperative. — Ashley Grams, CBS News, 29 July 2026

But rather than being uncooperative, Aguilar would be better off expressing a willingness to review the administration’s evidence. — Editorial, Boston Herald, 27 July 2026

Both men were uncooperative with police, who are trying to determine where the shooting happened and the motive. — Harry Harris, Mercury News, 13 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for uncooperative

• inoperative
• postoperative
• preoperative
• operative
• perioperative