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

Lawmakers and presidents from both parties have been unwilling to significantly raise taxes or cut essential spending, actions that would help balance the budget. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2026

State lawmakers and the Bears were initially asking for a 10% innkeepers tax, but Vasquez told them Porter County already has a 5% innkeepers tax and is unwilling to raise it. —Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026

Iran continues to be unwilling to even discuss its ballistic missile program. —Nina Srinivasan Rathbun, The Conversation, 17 Feb. 2026

White House border czar Tom Homan said the administration was unwilling to agree to Democrats' demands that federal officers clearly identify themselves, remove masks during operations and display unique ID numbers. —Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 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