unwilling

adjective

un·​will·​ing ˌən-ˈwi-liŋ How to pronounce unwilling (audio)
: not willing:
a
: loath, reluctant
was unwilling to learn
b
: done or given reluctantly
unwilling approval
c
: offering opposition : obstinate
an unwilling student
unwillingly adverb
unwillingness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If your new partner frequently reschedules meetings at the last minute, avoids discussing important details, or seems unwilling to compromise, these may be signs that the collaboration could become more challenging than productive. Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Trump's appearance also highlighted a key talking point, the assumption that Harris is unwilling to do interviews to discuss her record with unfriendly media. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 Harris was unwilling or unable to separate from Biden and provide a coherent rationale for her candidacy. Matthew Continetti, National Review, 2 Nov. 2024 The government appears unwilling to undertake the bold steps needed—such as direct income support to households—that could drive meaningful economic rebalancing. Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unwilling 

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unwilling was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near unwilling

Cite this Entry

“Unwilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwilling. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

unwilling

adjective
un·​will·​ing ˌən-ˈwil-iŋ How to pronounce unwilling (audio)
ˈən-
: not willing
unwillingly adverb
unwillingness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unwilling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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