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.

The fish has proved stubbornly unwilling to reproduce in captivity without intervention, but Japanese researchers succeeded in breeding Japanese eels from eggs in a laboratory setting in 2010 at great expense.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

Shipowners are unwilling to risk crossing the strait, leading to hundreds of stranded ships and millions of barrels of oil cut off.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

Bynum says there’s a big sacrifice that many teenagers are unwilling to accept.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2026

"No-one understands what our life is like," says one man who is unwilling to be named.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Briony felt her heart rate rise as she began her unwilling descent.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

unwilling

Example Sentences

Related Words