Pronunciation: [wˈa͡ɪlinəs] (IPA) 
The word "wiliness" is spelled with two i's, which can make it a bit tricky to pronounce. The IPA phonetic transcription shows that the first i is pronounced as /ɪ/, similar to the i in "will" or "him". The second i, however, is pronounced as /i/, like the ee in "deep" or "beet". This difference in pronunciation between the two i's is what sets the spelling of "wiliness" apart from similar words like "willingness" or "wildness".
Wiliness is a noun that refers to the quality or state of being shrewd, cunning, or crafty in dealing with others, with a focus on achieving one's own goals or objectives. A person who possesses wiliness is characterized by their ability to navigate complex situations, often using intricate strategies or manipulative tactics to gain an advantage or achieve desired outcomes.
Wiliness implies a level of mental dexterity and sharpness, as individuals who exhibit this trait possess a keen sense of observation, easily identifying opportunities and vulnerabilities in others. They may effectively exploit these weaknesses to further their own interests, often without regard for the well-being of others involved.
A key element of wiliness is the ability to conceptualize and execute plans that are covert, calculated, and sometimes even deceptive. Those who are wilful often possess a high degree of adaptability and resourcefulness. They are adept at recognizing and capitalizing on changes in situations, enabling them to efficiently pursue their objectives.
However, wiliness can have negative connotations, as it often involves the manipulation or exploitation of others. It is important to note that wiliness is not to be confused with intelligence or wisdom, as it primarily focuses on self-interest and personal gain rather than ethical or moral considerations.
In summary, wiliness describes the trait of being clever, strategic, and crafty in navigating interpersonal relationships and achieving personal goals, even if it involves manipulation or deception.
Cunning; guile.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "wiliness" is derived from the adjective "wily". "Wily" comes from the Old English word "wilīg" which means "experienced in wiles or deceit". It can be traced back to the Old English word "wil" meaning "will" or "desire". Over time, "wilīg" evolved into "wili", and eventually into "wily" in Middle English. "Wiliness" is formed from "wily" by adding the suffix "-ness" to indicate the quality or state of being wily.
