voluntary
VOL-uhn-tree
Voluntary (adjective) means Done by choice, not because of an obligation or force. Example: “Joining the book club is entirely voluntary, so nobody has to stay if they get bored.”
adjective
1
Done by choice, not because of an obligation or force.
"Joining the book club is entirely voluntary, so nobody has to stay if they get bored."
"Attendance at the workshop is voluntary."
"She made a voluntary donation to the shelter."
2
Unpaid, especially describing work done for a good cause.
"He spends his weekends doing voluntary work at the food bank."
How to use voluntary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething you choose to do, freely, and often without pay.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
voluntary work
voluntary basis
strictly voluntary
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like voluntary.
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
- Plural
- voluntaries
- Comparative
- more voluntary
- Superlative
- most voluntary
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Joining the book club is entirely _____, so nobody has to stay if they get bored.
Etymology
From Latin voluntarius, "willing," from voluntas, "will" or "wish."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for voluntary
See all rhymes for voluntary →Frequently asked questions
What does “voluntary” mean?
The word “voluntary” means done by choice, not because of an obligation or force. In plain terms, something you choose to do, freely, and often without pay.
How do you pronounce “voluntary”?
“Voluntary” is pronounced VOL-uhn-tree (/ˈvɑ.lənˌt(ɛ)ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “voluntary” in a sentence?
Here is “voluntary” used in a sentence: “Attendance at the workshop is voluntary.”
What is another word for “voluntary”?
Words with a similar meaning to “voluntary” include discretionary, optional, volitional, willful and intentional.
What is the opposite of “voluntary”?
The opposite of “voluntary” — its antonyms — are antonym(s) of, compulsory, accidental, obligatory and paid.
What part of speech is “voluntary”?
“Voluntary” is an adjective.
Where does the word “voluntary” come from?
The word “voluntary” comes from Latin. From Latin voluntarius, "willing," from voluntas, "will" or "wish.".
Is “voluntary” a common word?
“Voluntary” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary?
Voluntary describes something done by choice, not because of obligation or force. Involuntary is its direct opposite: done without choice, or outside conscious control, as with involuntary muscle movements. A voluntary statement is freely given; an involuntary reaction simply happens.
What is the difference between voluntary and mandatory?
A voluntary activity is one you choose to do and are free to decline. A mandatory activity is required by a rule, law, or authority, so refusing carries consequences. For example, voluntary training is optional, while mandatory training must be completed.
Does voluntary always mean unpaid?
No. The core meaning of voluntary is done by choice rather than out of obligation, which says nothing about payment. In phrases such as "voluntary work" or the "voluntary sector," however, it specifically means unpaid work done for a good cause, so context determines which sense applies.
What is the difference between voluntary and volunteer?
Voluntary is an adjective meaning done by choice or unpaid, as in "voluntary work." Volunteer is a noun for a person who offers to do something freely, and a verb meaning to offer freely. Volunteer can also sit before a noun, as in "volunteer firefighter," where it describes the person rather than the activity.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include voluntary:
