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 war in the Middle East appears to have completely stopped the flow of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as insurers and tankers are unwilling to risk sailing through it during the conflict. —John Towfighi, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026

To date, there seems to be no price Democrats are unwilling to pay to further their selfish partisan ambitions, the American and Iranian people be damned. —Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2026

Green has faced concerns from within the party, which is increasingly unwilling to defer to seniority. —Dallas Morning News, 4 Mar. 2026

The Canadiens have been unwilling to part with a top prospect like Michael Hage as part of a multi-asset return. —Pierre Lebrun, New York Times, 4 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