unwilling
Americanadjective
-
not willing; reluctant; loath; averse.
an unwilling partner in the crime.
-
opposed; offering resistance; stubborn or obstinate; refractory.
an unwilling captive.
adjective
-
unfavourably inclined; reluctant
-
performed, given, or said with reluctance
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of unwilling
before 900; Old English unwillende (not recorded in ME); see un- 1, willing
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.
How can such a premier establishment as the Academy claim to revere filmmaking if they’re unwilling to prop up all forms of the art?
From Salon ● Oct. 28, 2026
Some of Raman’s constituents beg to differ, saying her office has seemed unwilling to help with a broad array of city services, including fixing broken sidewalks and removing homeless encampments.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 26, 2026
But his resignation letter also included pointed criticism of Reeves's Treasury, which he said had been "unwilling" to "commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats".
From BBC ● Oct. 20, 2026
Essentially, people are unwilling to take the advice to get advice.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 20, 2026
While she sat in the drawing room, feeling her tiredness at last, but unwilling to go to bed, her mother was questioned, then Leon and Paul Marshall.
From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
