avolitional
|a-vo-li-tion-al|
🇺🇸
/ˌeɪvoʊˈlɪʃənəl/
🇬🇧
/ˌeɪvəˈlɪʃənəl/
without will/volition
Etymology
'avolitional' originates from English, specifically the word 'avolition' plus the adjectival suffix '-al', where prefix 'a-' meant 'not' (privative) and 'volition' meant 'will, choice'.
'avolitional' was formed in modern English by adding the adjectival suffix '-al' to 'avolition' (itself from a- + 'volition'); 'volition' ultimately comes from Latin (see below).
Initially it meant 'pertaining to avolition (lack of will)'; over time it has been used both in clinical contexts to describe reduced motivation and more generally to describe actions lacking conscious volition.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
lacking volition or will; done or occurring without conscious will or intentional control.
The patient's behavior appeared avolitional, showing little purposeful initiative.
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Adjective 2
(clinical/psychiatric) Relating to or characteristic of avolition — a marked decrease in the motivation to initiate and perform purposeful activities.
Avolitional symptoms, such as reduced goal-directed activity, are often observed in schizophrenia.
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Last updated: 2025/12/03 10:08