unwilling

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

Synonyms of unwilling

• forced
• spontaneous
• accidental
• coerced

Examples of unwilling in a Sentence

He was an unwilling participant in the demonstration.

unwilling contributions from city employees who felt pressured to do so

Recent Examples on the Web

If management was unwilling to accept the latest offer or negotiate based on it, the WGSU suggested that the dispute could be submitted for binding arbitration at the California State Mediation and Conciliation Service or to the American Arbitration Association. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 27 Mar. 2026

Both remind me of Ray’s leads, who sense that they’re being thwarted or not meeting expectations, but seem unable or unwilling to resolve anything. —James Folta, Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026

Mueller repeatedly referred questioners back to the text of his report, apparently unwilling—or unable—to add any words of his own. —David Frum, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026

With hundreds of thousands fleeing the south, Helou noted that only the few unwilling to abandon their homes remained in the area. —Charlene Gubash, NBC news, 24 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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