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.
The Edelman Trust Barometer annual report for 2026 found that 70% of respondents across 28 nations are hesitant or unwilling to trust someone who holds different views or supports different approaches to societal problems. — Kurt Shillinger, Christian Science Monitor, 30 July 2026 Nobody wants to be seen as resistant to change or unwilling to innovate. — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 Now, in a time of life meant for sloppiness and lessons learned, many young people seem unwilling to be imperfect. — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively halted, and significantly lower through the Bab-al-Mandeb strait – with oil tankers unwilling to risk taking on fire from the Iranians and Houthis. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 27 July 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

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 5 Aug. 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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Nglish: Translation of unwilling for Spanish Speakers

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