WordGarden.iounwilling
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnwˈɪlɪŋ/
US
- /ənˈwɪlɪŋ/
Meanings
Adjective
not wanting or not prepared to do something
Beyond the definition
Imagine a child offered broccoli for dinner—if they scrunch up their nose and say, "No, thank you!" that's them being unwilling. It means they don't want to do something or aren't enthusiastic about it. Someone might be unwilling to help because they are tired, or unwilling to share a secret because they fear the consequences. Being unwilling isn't necessarily about not being able to do something, but rather not wanting to. A king might be unwilling to compromise with his enemies, even if it means war.
To be unwilling is to lack the desire or enthusiasm to do something. It's more than just a simple "no"; it implies a degree of reluctance or hesitation. Someone who is unwilling isn't necessarily incapable—they simply don't want to participate, agree, or comply.
The nuance lies in the internal state. A person might be forced to do something against their will (coerced), but if they are merely unwilling, it suggests a personal preference or internal resistance. For example, the phrase "He was unwilling to admit he had made a mistake" implies that pride or fear prevented him from acknowledging his error.
"Unwilling" can also describe situations where someone is involved without their consent or intent. A witness might be an "unwilling participant" in a legal case, meaning they were caught up in it despite their preference to stay out of it. Similarly, a company might be "unwilling to invest" in a risky venture, choosing caution over action.
You'll often see "unwilling" paired with verbs like "to help," "to cooperate," "to concede," or "to believe." It paints a picture of someone holding back, resisting, or simply not feeling inclined to move forward. Think of a stubborn mule—it is perfectly capable of pulling the cart, but it is unwilling to do so! When you encounter "unwilling," remember it's not about a lack of power; it's about a lack of desire and a resistance from within.
Examples
- 1
Reluctant answer
He seemed unwilling to answer any questions.
- 2
Family permission
My parents were unwilling to let me travel alone at sixteen.
- 3
Company policy
The company is unwilling to change its policy, even after weeks of complaints.
- 4
Forced politeness
She gave an unwilling smile and sat down.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Media interviews
Several residents were unwilling to speak to reporters on camera.
- 6
Leadership role
He found himself in the role of an unwilling leader after the manager quit.
- Phrasean unwilling leader
someone who becomes the leader but does not want the role
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- willing
- eager
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- unwilling to do something
- unwilling to admit
- unwilling participant
- unwilling or unable
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unwillingadjective