unwilling

1 of 2

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

unwillingness

2 of 2

noun

un·​will·​ing·​ness
: the quality or state of being unwilling : disinclination, refusal

Synonyms of unwilling

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Adjective

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Examples of unwilling in a Sentence

Adjective 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.
Adjective
The willingness to act Politicians are often unwilling to do difficult things like cut spending or raise taxes, even in the best of times. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026 The film is set in 17th-century Europe, where two women fleeing the witch hunts create a refuge at the edge of the world, until a man becomes their unwilling captive and sparks a dangerous love triangle. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026 On the other hand, the market appears unwilling to ascribe a higher multiple to those earnings. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026 With the current Congress unwilling to challenge the administration over its spending authority, such disputes could effectively only be litigated during periods of divided government in Washington. — Leila Fadel, NPR, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unwilling

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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

See All Rhymes for unwilling

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 6 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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