disinclination: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowformal
Quick answer
What does “disinclination” mean?
A reluctance or unwillingness to do something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A reluctance or unwillingness to do something.
A mild aversion or lack of enthusiasm towards an action or idea, often based on preference or reason.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Similarly formal in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British English due to its formal nature.
Grammar
How to Use “disinclination” in a Sentence
disinclination to [verb]disinclination for [noun]disinclination towards [noun/gerund]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “disinclination” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The damp climate disinclines me from taking long walks.
American English
- The complexity of the task disinclined her to start immediately.
adverb
British English
- He agreed disinclinedly, knowing he had no other choice.
American English
- She signed the contract disinclinedly, fearing the consequences.
adjective
British English
- She was disinclined to accept the offer without further details.
American English
- He is disinclined to engage in trivial arguments.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In business, a disinclination to adapt to market changes can hinder growth.
Academic
In academic circles, there is often a disinclination to accept anecdotal evidence without rigorous proof.
Everyday
In everyday life, people might express a disinclination to do household chores after a long day.
Technical
In psychology, disinclination is examined as a component of motivational barriers in behavior.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “disinclination”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “disinclination”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “disinclination”
- Using 'disinclination' as a verb, e.g., 'I disinclination to go' instead of 'I have a disinclination to go'.
- Overusing in informal contexts where 'reluctance' or 'unwillingness' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered a formal word and is not frequently used in everyday conversation; it is more common in written or academic contexts.
While similar, 'disinclination' is more formal and often implies a mild or reasoned unwillingness, whereas 'reluctance' is more general and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
The most common prepositions are 'to' (e.g., disinclination to do something) and 'for' or 'towards' (e.g., disinclination for/towards something).
Yes, the verb is 'disincline', but it is rarely used in modern English; the adjective 'disinclined' is more common.
A reluctance or unwillingness to do something.
Disinclination is usually formal in register.
Disinclination: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdɪs.ɪn.klɪˈneɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdɪs.ɪn.klɪˈneɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'dis-' meaning 'not' and 'inclination' meaning 'tendency', so disinclination is a tendency not to do something.
Conceptual Metaphor
Reluctance as a weight or barrier that prevents action.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'disinclination'?