willpower

noun

will·​pow·​er ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

: the ability to control one's own actions, emotions, or urges

Approximately 42% of U.S. adults are affected by obesity, and many believe that willpower alone is insufficient for weight loss, highlighting the need for pharmacological interventions

—Richard Howells

I'm not talking about facing up to hard work or discipline, as if the problem were faulty willpower or a poor character.

—Patricia Hampl

also : strong determination that allows one to do something difficult

<… maintaining their seats at the corporate table through a wily deployment of guts, guile and willpower.

—Hugh Hart

Synonyms of willpower

• restraint
• self-control

Examples of willpower in a Sentence

The dessert buffet tested my willpower.

He conquered his drinking problem through sheer willpower.

Recent Examples on the Web

Flexible willpower means that once a rule is broken, it is acknowledged and not broken again. —Will Barker, TheWeek, 5 Jan. 2026

Summoning the willpower to wake up early has never been difficult for me. —Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2026

Studies have found that brute willpower alone lasts for only so long, and that people have a much harder time accessing willpower when stressed. —Valerie Trapp, The Atlantic, 30 Dec. 2025

And while lifestyle choices still matter, the underlying cause isn’t willpower. —Anna Barton Bradley, The Conversation, 26 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for willpower

• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower
• manpower
• mayflower
• safflower
• sunflower
• wallflower
• watchtower

Kids Definition

willpower

noun

will·​pow·​er ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

: strong determination

the temptation tested her willpower