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

Serenity Kids now requires suppliers of purees — including farmers — to pre-test their products for heavy metals and provide certificates of analysis before the company will purchase them, and has dropped suppliers who were unwilling to comply. —Jenny Gold, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024

Winn was unwilling speak with the sheriff's office regarding the investigation. —Aaron Valdez, The Enquirer, 27 Dec. 2024

Forty-one percent are unwilling to use cryptocurrencies for bill payments, and 22% are unsure. —Rick Watkin, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024

Liverpool were unwilling to let Tyler Morton go out on loan in the summer and none of his suitors were willing to meet the club’s £20m asking price. —James Pearce, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 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