noun, plural vel·le·i·ties. volition in its weakest form. a mere wish, unaccompanied by an effort to obtain it.

Definition of Velleity to weakly wish or desire something without taking action to achieve it Examples of Velleity in a sentence He had a velleity for a home cooked meal but he was too lazy to get off the couch and ordered take out instead. North Korea often professes a velleity to use nuclear weapons, but they have yet to act on their desire.

The word is said to mean: "The lowest degree of desire; imperfect or incomplete volition." "It is with great velleity that I get up, put on my socks and shoes, and head to work." "Honey, you know I love you but to be perfectly honest, I'm feeling velleitous* about having relations tonight."

1. Weak desire or volition. 2. A slight or weak wish or inclination: "He felt cast out... divorced from the caprices and the velleities of childhood" (Anita Brookner). [New Latin velleitās, from Latin velle, to wish; see wel- in Indo-European roots.]