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

• 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

Indeed, both men have been cast as strongmen—with Putin portrayed as unwilling to back down in the war in Ukraine, and Trump lauded in some circles for his real life application of mad-man theory or his big and bold negotiating style. —Natasha Lindstaedt, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025

Despite his pleading for her forgiveness, Marian seemed unwilling to give Larry another chance—that is, until Jack corroborated Larry's story. —Sam Reed, Glamour, 11 Aug. 2025

The deeper reality is more sobering: the truth is irrelevant to those who are unwilling to hear it. —Avi Weiss, New York Daily News, 10 Aug. 2025

Mark Zuckerberg and other executives were allegedly unwilling to stem the flood of dangerous extremist content propagated on the platform. —Noah Giansiracusa, Time, 7 Aug. 2025

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