willing
Americanadjective
-
disposed or consenting; inclined.
willing to go along.
- Synonyms:
- minded
-
cheerfully consenting or ready.
a willing worker.
-
done, given, borne, used, etc., with cheerful readiness.
adjective
-
favourably disposed or inclined; ready
-
cheerfully or eagerly compliant
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done, given, accepted, etc, freely or voluntarily
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of willing
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; see will 2, -ing 2
Explanation
If you're willing to do something, you're agreeable or ready. A willing participant in your play is someone who won't have to be coerced into taking part, but is happy to join you on stage. Imagine that your neighbor asks whether you're willing to feed her cat while she's out of town. If you're open to helping her, perhaps even enthusiastic about spending time with a friendly cat, you're willing. Someone who's not willing would have to be persuaded or forced to do it. You can also use this adjective to mean "readily or enthusiastically done," as in the willing support you offer your best friend when she runs for class president.
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.
Yet they were willing to part with him because it was time to give Mendoza his shot.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 11, 2026
Now, of course, we can have one, if we are willing to accept a limited and wildly imperfect version.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 11, 2026
A direct meeting between the vice president and top Iranian security officials would be unusual and show the lengths Vance is willing to go to try to end the war.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 11, 2026
The United Arab List, which won eight seats, has said it is willing to be part of an Eisenkot-led coalition, while the Joint List, which won 11 seats, has offered parliamentary support from the outside.
From BBC ● Nov. 10, 2026
Still, Deutsche Bank proved, once again, the most willing to deal with them.
From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis
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