willpower

noun

will·​pow·​er ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce willpower (audio)
: the ability to control one's own actions, emotions, or urges
Alcoholics can't stop drinking through willpower alone: they need to alter behavior … that triggers the impulse to drink.James Atlas
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
He [Nicolas Sarkozy] … brokered a huge trade deal with China and generally signaled that he could redefine his country through sheer willpower alone. Bruce Crumley

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
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.
This approach is exhausting and drains the limited willpower we are meant to conserve. Shane Enete, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 Put your energy into figuring out the best way to achieve your goal and executing your willpower and physical attributes to succeed. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 17 Nov. 2024 That comes alongside increasing awareness that obesity is not an issue of personal willpower but a nuanced condition affected by societal policies and problems, including food insecurity in rural and historically marginalized communities. Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 15 Nov. 2024 The Germans were not lacking in willpower and gave their all right to the end. Sam Amick, The Athletic, 8 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for willpower 

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of willpower was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near willpower

Cite this Entry

“Willpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/willpower. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

willpower

noun
will·​pow·​er ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce willpower (audio)
: strong determination
the temptation tested her willpower

More from Merriam-Webster on willpower

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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