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

Talks in Qatar have focused on narrowing long-standing gaps between Hamas and Israel, with both sides unwilling to compromise on key demands. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025

But the findings offer a promising starting point for those who may be unwilling or unable to engage in more traditional workouts. —Hannah Singleton, Health, 8 Jan. 2025

Even with the historic success of the Chiefs, who have won three of the last five Super Bowls, voters were unwilling to pony up. —Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2025

Kidman, in turn, plays Romy as a woman overcome by her own needs but unwilling to look at them directly. —Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 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