unwilling

[uhn-wil-ing] / ʌnˈwɪl ɪŋ /

ADJECTIVE

not in the mood

Synonyms

STRONGEST

afraid averse compelled evasive forced loath reluctant resistant unenthusiastic

WEAK

against against the grain backward begrudging contrary demurring disinclined disobliging grudging hesitating indisposed indocile involuntary laggard malcontent opposed recalcitrant refractory remiss shrinking shy slack slow unaccommodating uncheerful uncooperative uneager uninclined unobliging unready unwishful wayward

Antonyms

STRONGEST

eager enthusiastic ready willing

WEAK

prepared

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

unwilling

Baseball has a bleak history of wealthy owners unwilling to open up their wallets when it matters most—why howl about a team that unabashedly does?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026

The ICC, which has 125 member states, seeks to prosecute individuals responsible for the world's gravest crimes when countries are unwilling or unable to do so themselves.

From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 2026

He said that Tesla “seems unwilling or unable to reduce the uncertainty” around its scale-up, which is “clearly” hurting the stock.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 23, 2026

Tottenham saw off competition from Manchester United, who were unwilling to match the fee agreed by Spurs - which is a guaranteed £85m without add-ons.

From BBC ● Jul. 2, 2026

She hovered over him, as if unwilling to return to the stove.

From "Among the Hidden" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

unwilling

Example Sentences

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