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.
But this option only applies to those unwilling to return to China, Fan explains, as such affidavits lose force if an immigrant ever re-enters China. Ashish Valentine, NPR, 29 June 2025 There, Jeff’s aptitude for all things science became apparent and his siblings became unwilling participants in his experiments. Alex Gurley, People.com, 29 June 2025 And both walked to their final hole Friday morning unwilling to give an inch, tied and pacing the early field at six-under at the U.S. Senior Open. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 27 June 2025 So far, the EU seems unwilling to give up its present arrangement. Joe Grogan, National Review, 27 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unwilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwilling. Accessed 3 Jul. 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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