unwilling

adjective

un·​will·​ing ˌən-ˈwi-liŋ How to pronounce unwilling (audio)
Synonyms of unwillingnext
: 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 How to pronounce unwilling (audio)
adverb
unwillingness noun

Synonyms

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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.
Survivors and their families are often unwilling or unable to come forward due to challenges accessing services, along with fears of stigma, rejection by their family or community and retribution from armed groups. — Sarah Ferguson, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 Based in The Hague, the Netherlands, the ICC can step in when countries are unwilling or unable to prosecute suspects for the most heinous international crimes, including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025 Based in The Hague, the Netherlands, the ICC can step in when countries are unwilling or unable to prosecute suspects in the most serious crimes, including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Marcos Jr., who succeeded Duterte in 2022, has decided not to rejoin the global court. — Jim Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2025 On a sticky hot morning in July, Ed Pierson steps into the lobby of a hotel in Washington, DC, completely unwilling to obey the plane-crash life cycle. — Lauren Smiley, WIRED, 11 Mar. 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

Rhymes for unwilling

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unwilling
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Cite this Entry

“Unwilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwilling. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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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

Nglish: Translation of unwilling for Spanish Speakers

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