noun
willpower
WIHL-pow-uh
Willpower (noun) means the mental strength to control your own actions and stick to a decision, especially resisting temptation. Example: “It takes real willpower to skip dessert every night.”
noun
1
The mental strength to control your own actions and stick to a decision, especially resisting temptation.
"It takes real willpower to skip dessert every night."
"She finished the marathon on pure willpower alone."
How to use willpower
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSelf-discipline — the inner strength to make yourself do (or not do) something.
Common pairings
sheer willpower
test your willpower
lack the willpower
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Word forms
- Plural
- willpowers
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It takes real _____ to skip dessert every night.
Etymology
A straightforward combination of will and power, coined to describe the strength of one's will.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for willpower
See all rhymes for willpower →Frequently asked questions
What does “willpower” mean?
The word “willpower” means the mental strength to control your own actions and stick to a decision, especially resisting temptation. In plain terms, self-discipline — the inner strength to make yourself do (or not do) something.
How do you pronounce “willpower”?
“Willpower” is pronounced WIHL-pow-uh (/ˈwɪlˌpaʊɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “willpower” in a sentence?
Here is “willpower” used in a sentence: “It takes real willpower to skip dessert every night.”
What part of speech is “willpower”?
“Willpower” is a noun.
