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 of unwilling

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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.
But talks broke down when the Lakers were unwilling to part with multiple second-round draft picks. — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 Traceability isn’t something being thrust on unwilling cotton suppliers, a new report found. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026 The Houthis, still formally in a truce with Riyadh, appeared unwilling to aid their Iranian partners. — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026 But Spurs’ creativity problem is such that Maddison and Kudus remain important members of the squad, even while De Zerbi is unwilling or unable to pick them in the starting XI. — Dan Kilpatrick, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2026 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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Browse Nearby Words

unwilled
unwilling
unwillingness
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Cite this Entry

“Unwilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwilling. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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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
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