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Definitions

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.

But they have proved unwilling while the conflict rages.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

But desirable homes are selling quickly, and they are unwilling to buy with home prices and mortgage rates as high as they are, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

However, some GPs said they would be unwilling to prescribe the drugs due to their lack of specialist knowledge.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Seeing few signs that the Iran conflict was nearing its conclusion, many investors appeared unwilling to carry risk into the weekend for fear of further escalation.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026

This resulted in Felix spending the morning as an unwilling participant in a three-hour game of hide-and-seek where he was always the seeker.

From "Millionaires for the Month" by Stacey McAnulty

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.