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.
Analysts say Cameroon’s elites are unwilling to disrupt the political order after decades of Biya’s rule. Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025 But the Rams seem unwilling to accept such handouts this season. J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 On Thursday, the Senate failed to advance stop-gap funding bills for the seventh time, with Republican and Democratic lawmakers appearing unwilling to give up on their own party’s demands. Sean Conlon,sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025 With Hamas facing unprecedented international isolation, its allies either unable or unwilling to help, the group appears set on abiding by the peace agreement. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 10 Oct. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unwilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwilling. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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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