unwilling
Americanadjective
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not willing; reluctant; loath; averse.
an unwilling partner in the crime.
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opposed; offering resistance; stubborn or obstinate; refractory.
an unwilling captive.
adjective
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unfavourably inclined; reluctant
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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.
At some point, big spenders will reach a breaking point where their cash piles are smaller, and they’re unable or unwilling to raise more money from debt or equity investors.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026
However, Yildiz has just signed a new four-year deal and sources indicate that Juventus are unwilling to sell him.
From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026
For Carnaby, “this deal represents value recognition by another corporate that the market was unwilling to pay,” MA says.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026
While adamant that the tradition would survive, Keller pointed to a "succession problem", with younger generations unwilling to take over a tough family business.
From Barron's ● Jul. 26, 2026
Besides, if Nhamo wanted to talk, Mother was easy to find—although often unwilling to listen.
From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
