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

• coerced
• forced
• involuntary
• unintended
• unintentional
• will-less

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

Single rider lanes are another great way to reduce wait times when riders are too small and/or unwilling to go on a particular attraction. —Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 1 Oct. 2024

Join 47 others in the comments View Comments Most Americans who locked in lower mortgage rates before 2022 have been unwilling or unable to list their homes for sale because doing so would presumablyrequire them to buy a new home at a much higher interest rate. —Samantha Delouya, CNN, 30 Sep. 2024

The tests could improve access to screening for people who are unwilling or unable to get routine pelvic exams. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2024

While most of the physicians were circumspect and unwilling to offer a definitive diagnosis, several attributed Greeley’s illness to an overworked brain. —Greg Daugherty, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

unwilling

adjective

un·​will·​ing ˌən-ˈwil-iŋ 

ˈən-

: not willing

unwillingly adverb

unwillingness noun