uncooperative
UK: ˌʌnkəʊˈɒpərətɪv | US: ˌʌnkoʊˈɑːpərətɪv
adj. not willing to work with others; resistant to collaboration
adj. difficult to manage or deal with due to lack of cooperation
uncooperative = un<not> + cooperative<working together>
- un (prefix): From Old English "un-," meaning "not" or "opposite of."
- cooperative: Derived from Latin "co-" (together) + "operari" (to work), forming "cooperate" + the suffix "-ive" (adjective-forming).
Etymology Origin:
The word "uncooperative" combines the negative prefix "un-" with "cooperative," which itself stems from the Latin idea of "working together." The prefix "un-" flips the meaning to imply refusal or resistance to collaboration. This logical negation reflects how English efficiently modifies existing words to create opposites.
The uncooperative witness refused to answer the detective’s questions.
Despite repeated requests, the software remained uncooperative with older systems.
Her uncooperative attitude made teamwork nearly impossible.
The negotiations stalled due to uncooperative behavior from both parties.
Children can become uncooperative when they feel tired or frustrated.