as in reluctance
a lack of willingness or desire to do or accept something
your unwillingness to help with the cooking means that you won't be sharing in the eating
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of unwillingness
Their unwillingness to engage beyond the surface means a refusal to examine rap’s layered explorations of life, pride and pain, described through lyrical humor, social commentary and witty wordplay.
—
A.d. Carson, The Conversation, 6 May 2026
That’s due, in part, to the administration’s unwillingness to target threats to public safety and instead detaining as many unauthorized immigrants as possible, immigration attorneys and advocates say.
—Aileen Clarke, Houston Chronicle, 6 May 2026
But at least the state’s unwillingness to provide is no longer a secret.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2026
In fact, the outlet indicates that the king is increasingly frustrated about William’s unwillingness to talk to his brother.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 4 May 2026
The problem with the exhibition is not the works of art on view, but its ambiguous premise, its unwillingness to define its terms and approach the Lost Cause with historical clarity.
—Horace D. Ballard, Artforum, 22 Apr. 2026
The freshman North Side alderman had led the committee for eight months beginning with Burnett’s departure, but since the start of the year showed an increasing unwillingness to continue as interim.
—Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
After a meeting between state health officials and Tewksbury officials April 3, the day after the change was announced, those representing Tewksbury felt further frustrated by the state’s unwillingness to pause the change for more discussion.
—Peter Currier, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
Dan Skovronsky, Lilly’s chief scientific and product officer, told USA TODAY that a weight-loss pill also should help people overcome barriers such as stigma about obesity or unwillingness to get a shot.
—Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
A.d. Carson, The Conversation, 6 May 2026
That’s due, in part, to the administration’s unwillingness to target threats to public safety and instead detaining as many unauthorized immigrants as possible, immigration attorneys and advocates say.
—Aileen Clarke, Houston Chronicle, 6 May 2026
But at least the state’s unwillingness to provide is no longer a secret.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2026
In fact, the outlet indicates that the king is increasingly frustrated about William’s unwillingness to talk to his brother.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 4 May 2026
The problem with the exhibition is not the works of art on view, but its ambiguous premise, its unwillingness to define its terms and approach the Lost Cause with historical clarity.
—Horace D. Ballard, Artforum, 22 Apr. 2026
The freshman North Side alderman had led the committee for eight months beginning with Burnett’s departure, but since the start of the year showed an increasing unwillingness to continue as interim.
—Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
After a meeting between state health officials and Tewksbury officials April 3, the day after the change was announced, those representing Tewksbury felt further frustrated by the state’s unwillingness to pause the change for more discussion.
—Peter Currier, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
Dan Skovronsky, Lilly’s chief scientific and product officer, told USA TODAY that a weight-loss pill also should help people overcome barriers such as stigma about obesity or unwillingness to get a shot.
—Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unwillingness
reluctance
Noun
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But perhaps best of all is the city’s reluctance to take itself too seriously.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 May 2026
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Hefty upfront costs, issues disposing of radiation and waste, and memories of terrible accidents have all contributed to Europe’s reluctance to embrace nuclear energy in recent decades.—
Joseph Wilkins,
CNBC,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unwillingness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unwillingness. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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