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 location and time of the shooting were unknown as of Sunday, as the victim was uncooperative. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026 Unfortunately for Kevin, Wile turns out to be an uncooperative client, even when Acme’s smarmy lawyer Buddy Crane (John Cena), with whom Kevin has history, offers an eye-popping $50,000. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026 The Department of Homeland Security plans to equip ICE agents with gloves that emit electric shocks to use on uncooperative people in the field, according to a notice posted on its acquisition system. — Sammy Westfall, Washington Post, 12 Aug. 2026 According to the sheriff, Joyce’s roommate has been uncooperative during the investigation. — Yana Johnson, NBC news, 29 July 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

Rhymes for uncooperative

See All Rhymes for uncooperative

Browse Nearby Words

uncooled
uncooperative
uncoordinated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Uncooperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncooperative. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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