1 disinclination | Definition of disinclination

disinclination

noun
dis·​in·​cli·​na·​tion | \ (ˌ)dis-ˌin-klə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce disinclination (audio) , -ˌsiƋ-\

Definition of disinclination

: a preference for avoiding something : slight aversion

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Synonyms & Antonyms for disinclination

Synonyms

hesitance, hesitancy, reluctance, reticence, unwillingness

Antonyms

inclination, willingness

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Examples of disinclination in a Sentence

it's an understatement to say that our dog shows a disinclination to get into the car to go to the vet a strong disinclination for Brussels sprouts since birth

Recent Examples on the Web

The drama in Hong Kong is only the latest example of Mr. Trump’s disinclination to let human rights and democracy complicate his diplomacy. Michael Crowley, New York Times, "Trump’s Hong Kong Caution Isolates Him From Congress, Allies and Advisers," 15 Aug. 2019 The relationship has also lasted in no small measure because of American leaders’ disinclination to criticize the Saudis’ domestic policies, especially their disregard for human rights. Daniel Benjamin, The New York Review of Books, "Reckless in Riyadh," 30 May 2019 But American women weren’t interested, and the midi debacle left retailers with unsold stock and a lingering disinclination to take risks. Nancy Macdonell, WSJ, "How the Midi Skirt Vanquished the Mini Skirt," 17 Oct. 2018 Bill Elder, a tall skinny boy with big ears and acne, seemed to have a disinclination to shower, or wear deodorant when his underarm hair had begun to grow and his armpits to smell like a nervous adult's. Michael Lindsay-hogg, Town & Country, "Brando in a Blue Blazer," 22 Aug. 2013 Ailes, knowing Trump’s disinclination to take advice, or even listen to it, turned him down. Callum Borchers, Washington Post, "New Trump book: Bannon’s ‘treasonous’ claim, Ivanka’s presidential ambitions and Melania’s first-lady concerns," 3 Jan. 2018 Rather, the outcome of the vote was more a reflection of the volunteers' disinclination to follow the orders of a regular Texian Army man over those from one of their own. Robert Kolarik, San Antonio Express-News, "Santa Anna tries to split Alamo," 28 Feb. 2018 While many battles for female independence have since been fought and (largely) won, Markle shows a similar disinclination to bow to patriarchal norms. Judith Vonberg, CNN, "America's second 'princess': Why Meghan Markle is a modern Grace Kelly," 1 May 2018 Supermodel Beverly Johnson said her reluctance to come forward as an accuser was tied to her allegiance to African-Americans and a disinclination to hurt a member of her community. Washington Post, "Cosby verdict met with conflicting emotions by some blacks," 27 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'disinclination.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of disinclination

1647, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for disinclination

disinclination

noun

English Language Learners Definition of disinclination

formal : a feeling of not wanting to do something : a tendency to avoid a particular activity

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