Looking up...
willingness
/ˈwɪlɪŋnəs/
readiness to do something
Her willingness to help made the project a success.
She was ready and eager to assist, which ensured the project succeeded.
neutral
The quality or state of being prepared to do something; readiness.
The company's willingness to adapt to market changes helped it thrive.
The company was ready to adjust to new market conditions, which contributed to its success.
His willingness to learn new skills impressed his employer.
He showed a strong desire to acquire new abilities, which impressed his boss.
Often used to describe positive or cooperative attitudes in personal, professional, or social contexts.
Collocations
willingness to helpeagerness to assist otherswillingness to learndesire to gain new knowledge or skillswillingness to changereadiness to make adjustments or improvements
Pro Tip
Use with 'to' + verb
Always pair 'willingness' with 'to' followed by a verb (e.g., 'willingness to cooperate', 'willingness to adapt'). This structure is grammatically essential.
Gold Rule
Avoid redundancy
Do not use 'willingness' with 'to be willing' in the same sentence (e.g., 'She showed her willingness to be willing to help' is incorrect).
Word Origin
From Middle English 'willingnesse', derived from Old English 'willan' (to wish, desire) + '-ing' (suffix forming nouns of action) + '-ness' (suffix forming abstract nouns). The word has been in use since the 14th century.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe a person's positive attitude toward tasks or challenges. Often paired with 'to' followed by a verb (e.g., 'willingness to work overtime').
Word Breakdown
will
desire or readiness to do something
root-ing
forms a gerund or noun indicating action
suffix-ness
forms an abstract noun indicating state or quality
suffixEnglish Dictionary