unwilling
uhn-WIH-lihng
Unwilling (adjective) means not willing to do something; reluctant. Example: “He was unwilling to compromise on the price.”
adjective
1
Not willing to do something; reluctant.
"We are unwilling to restore his previous privileges after his betrayal of our trust."
"There was a prevailing fear of the effect of large undertakings becoming monopolistic, and Parliament showed itself unwilling to sanction any large groupings."
— , British Railways (1948)
"He was unwilling to compromise on the price."
"She seemed unwilling to discuss what had happened."
"The toddler was unwilling to eat anything green on her plate."
How to use unwilling
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot ready or prepared to do something, often stubbornly so.
Common pairings
unwilling to
unwilling participant
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like unwilling.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more unwilling
- Superlative
- most unwilling
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He was _____ to compromise on the price.
Etymology
From un- (\"not\") plus willing.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for unwilling
willing
killing
filling
milling
billing
chilling
drilling
spilling
grilling
trilling
Shilling
thrilling
See all rhymes for 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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include unwilling:
