〜ようとしない: meaning and usage

How to form it

• verb (volitional form)+としない
• verb (volitional form)+としなかった

How it is used

Says someone shows no willingness to do something: 'won't A, makes no effort to A', often with frustration or disappointment. Usually about a third person; about yourself, 「〜つもりはない」 is the usual choice.

Examples

1. 彼は意見の主張ばかりして話し合いをしようとしない。

   He just asserts his opinion and makes no attempts to discuss things.

2. 息子は、何度言っても野菜を食べようとしない。

   No matter how many times I tell him, my son won't eat his vegetables.

3. 妹は部屋から出てこようとしなかった。

   My little sister wouldn't come out of her room.