unwilling
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for unwilling, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Not willing to do something; reluctant.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use unwilling
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From un- (\"not\") plus willing.
Full origin of unwilling →Frequently asked questions
What does “unwilling” mean?
The word “unwilling” means not willing to do something; reluctant. In plain terms, not ready or prepared to do something, often stubbornly so.
How do you pronounce “unwilling”?
“Unwilling” is pronounced uhn-WIH-lihng (/ʌnˈwɪlɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “unwilling” in a sentence?
Here is “unwilling” used in a sentence: “He was unwilling to compromise on the price.”
What part of speech is “unwilling”?
“Unwilling” is an adjective.
Is “unwilling” a common word?
“Unwilling” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "unwilling" and "unable"?
"Unwilling" means someone is not willing to do something, implying a choice or lack of desire, while "unable" means someone lacks the capacity or means to do it, regardless of desire. Someone can be able but unwilling, or willing but unable.
What is the difference between "unwilling" and "reluctant"?
"Unwilling" often suggests a firmer refusal or resistance, while "reluctant" typically implies hesitation with some possibility of eventually agreeing. A reluctant person may still act despite discomfort, whereas an unwilling person is more likely to refuse outright.
What structure typically follows "unwilling"?
"Unwilling" is usually followed by a "to" infinitive, as in "unwilling to compromise" or "unwilling to leave." This pattern is standard in both spoken and written English.