ɪnˈvɑːlənˌteri
British ɪnˈvɒləntri
: not voluntary: such as
a
: not done or made consciously
Breathing and circulation are involuntary processes.
involuntary bodily movements
When the door burst open, she let out an involuntary shriek.
b
: not done by choice
involuntary [=forced] labor
The lawyer argued that the client's confession was involuntary.
involuntary unemployment
Cite this Entry
“Involuntary.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/involuntary. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.
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