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.
Meanwhile, Democrats are strongly opposed to the kind of corrupt authoritarian government that Republicans seem unwilling to even speak out against. — Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 In a choppy video, the man appears to accuse the former Israel Defense Forces chief of staff, now seen as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strongest challenger, of planning to govern with Hamas supporters or of being unwilling to destroy Hamas. — Nadav Eyal, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026 Some of Raman’s constituents beg to differ, saying her office has seemed unwilling to help with a broad array of city services, including fixing broken sidewalks and removing homeless encampments. — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026 Casey, always eager to praise others and unwilling to seek the spotlight for himself, undoubtedly would have rejected this approach. — Marc Levinson, Fortune, 25 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 28 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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