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

It is governed by a strict policy of "complementarity", meaning it can only take on cases a suspect's home country is unwilling or unable to try itself.

From Barron's ● Oct. 9, 2026

With Musk unwilling to sit for an interview, Gibney and his team came up with a work-around.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026

He has likely dealt with and even enabled this dynamic since they were children, which is why he is either unwilling or unable to find a way to push back.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 17, 2026

He resigned in June, accusing the Treasury of being unwilling to provide the resources needed to defend the country.

From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026

Once he gets wound up in the pulpit he seems unwilling to give up center stage.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

unwilling

Example Sentences

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