unwilling

[uhn-wil-ing]

adjective

1. not willing; reluctant; loath; averse.

   an unwilling partner in the crime.

2. opposed; offering resistance; stubborn or obstinate; refractory.

   an unwilling captive.

unwilling

/ ʌnˈwɪlɪŋ /

adjective

1. unfavourably inclined; reluctant

2. performed, given, or said with reluctance

Other Word Forms

• unwillingly adverb
• unwillingness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unwilling¹

before 900; Old English unwillende (not recorded in ME); un- ¹, willing

Example Sentences

Private clubs have been largely inaccessible to visitors, with members unwilling to share their facilities.

Read more on Barron's

Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, recently said out loud what many in his industry have believed privately for years but, concerned about retribution from regulators, have been unwilling to say in public.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The fact that Wall Street seems unwilling to swallow this explanation only goes to show the heightened scrutiny alternative-asset firms now face.

Read more on Barron's

“I think it’s caused a lot of people to be unwilling to pull the trigger on buying a house,” he said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Some people might be unwilling to admit it, or saying they are undecided, but could they plump for Labour in the end?

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• afraid 
• averse 
• compelled 
• evasive 
• forced 
• loath 
• reluctant 
• resistant 
• unenthusiastic