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

The Iranians have now discovered the power of their geography and seem unwilling to give up on controlling/administering the Strait of Hormuz. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Several witnesses compelled to testify Even 30 years later, several people were still unwilling to break the code of the streets. — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

Consumers appear unwilling, or unable, to pay full price for athletic shoes. — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Southampton have made clear their valuation for the 24-year-old and Villa are presently unwilling to meet it. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 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