unwilling

1 of 2

adjective

un·​will·​ing ˌən-ˈwi-liŋ 

: not willing:

a

: loath, reluctant

was unwilling to learn

b

: done or given reluctantly

unwilling approval

c

: offering opposition : obstinate

an unwilling student

unwillingly

ˌən-ˈwi-liŋ-lē 

adverb

unwillingness noun

unwillingness

2 of 2

noun

un·​will·​ing·​ness

: the quality or state of being unwilling : disinclination, refusal

Synonyms of unwilling

Adjective

• forced
• spontaneous
• accidental
• coerced

Examples of unwilling in a Sentence

Adjective

He was an unwilling participant in the demonstration.

unwilling contributions from city employees who felt pressured to do so

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The opportunity comes from understanding something the market is unwilling or unable to price correctly. — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026

The continued seismic activity has heightened fears among residents, many of whom remain unwilling to return to homes that might have suffered structural damage. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 June 2026

He’s been forced to play left more with Trent Grisham hurt, Jasson Domínguez learning right and the Yankees unwilling to play Spencer Jones against lefties thus far. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026

Rielly had previously been unwilling to consider waiving his no-movement clause but has softened on that stance. — Chris Johnston, New York Times, 24 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unwilling

• backfilling
• distilling
• fulfilling
• infilling
• instilling
• refilling
• sawmilling
• billing
• chilling
• drilling
• filling
• grilling

Kids Definition

unwilling

adjective

un·​will·​ing ˌən-ˈwil-iŋ 

ˈən-

: not willing

unwillingly adverb

unwillingness noun