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.
Trump seems unwilling to resume the conflict regardless of Iran’s behavior. — Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 28 June 2026 Because in the eyes of a powerful legal system that is either unwilling or afraid to upset the status quo, Hill was but a brief interrupter. — Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2026 To be sized for a bra can be an anxiety-inducing experience for anyone, let alone a trans adult unwilling to solicit a salesperson’s help. — Nicky Josephine, Vogue, 29 June 2026 The opportunity comes from understanding something the market is unwilling or unable to price correctly. — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 27 June 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 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on unwilling

Nglish: Translation of unwilling for Spanish Speakers

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