unwilling

adjective

un·​will·​ing ˌən-ˈwi-liŋ How to pronounce unwilling (audio)
: not willing:
a
: loath, reluctant
was unwilling to learn
b
: done or given reluctantly
unwilling approval
c
: offering opposition : obstinate
an unwilling student
unwillingly adverb
unwillingness noun

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 The Patriots were seeking a third-round draft pick for Judon and Poles was unwilling to pay that price without signing the 2025 free agent to a contract extension. Phil Rogers, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 The rising European criticism comes as the United States appears either unable or unwilling to put significant pressure on Israel just weeks ahead of the presidential election in November, experts said. Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN, 20 Oct. 2024 Yet even freed from the burden of campaigning following his July withdrawal from the race, the president has since proven unwilling, or unable, to control the risks of spiraling conflict in the region. Andrew Payne, Scientific American, 17 Oct. 2024 And so, the teams unable (or unwilling) to pony up Soto-level cash could settle for Santander, whose 44 homers this season gives him 105 over the past three seasons combined. Ryan Ford, Detroit Free Press, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unwilling 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unwilling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near unwilling

Cite this Entry

“Unwilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwilling. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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