uncooperative

adjective

un·​co·​op·​er·​at·​ive ˌən-kō-ˈä-p(ə-)rə-tiv How to pronounce uncooperative (audio)
-ˈä-pə-ˌrā-
Synonyms of uncooperativenext
: marked by an unwillingness or inability to work with others : not cooperative
The suspect was uncooperative with investigators.
an uncooperative witness
… he wonders whether it would be such a bad thing if their uncooperative nanny quit …Caitlin Flanagan
also : providing difficulty
struggled with an uncooperative corkscrew
uncooperative weather

Examples of uncooperative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The best success comes using it in jungle-thick cover, worming a minnow down between uncooperative branches. John Phillips, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2026 Potter was uncooperative following a request for a follow-up interview this year, according to the search warrant application. Mark Guarino, ABC News, 13 May 2026 Kingsbury and defense lawyer Linda Parisi, who represents Dandrae Martin, stressed the chaotic nature of the scene and the uncooperative crowd. Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 12 May 2026 Smith previously said police believed Blue was likely with her father, who was reportedly uncooperative with police, the Department of Children and Families and child custody orders. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for uncooperative

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of uncooperative was in 1799

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Cite this Entry

“Uncooperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncooperative. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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