willpower
Americannoun
noun
-
the ability to control oneself and determine one's actions
-
firmness of will
Etymology
Origin of willpower
First recorded in 1870–75; will 2 ( def. ) + power ( def. )
Explanation
Willpower is the ability to control or restrain yourself. If you bake brownies and can keep yourself from tasting them until after dinner, you can thank your willpower. A less descriptive — but simpler — way to say willpower is simply will. Whichever word you prefer, you can use it to describe someone's deliberate or purposeful control. In the case of willpower, the person is likely to be resisting a temptation or impulse. It takes willpower not to argue with someone whose opinions make you angry, and willpower to eat just one potato chip.
Vocabulary lists containing willpower
Words for a New Year
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Save Me a Seat
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Free Lunch
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
So when you find yourself standing in front of the biscuit tin at 9pm, it may not be a lack of willpower.
From BBC ● Nov. 6, 2026
“Addiction doesn’t happen from having a lack of willpower or as a result of making bad decisions,” the Cleveland Clinic says.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 26, 2026
What was revealed was quite surprising, which is that it’s actually not willpower that’s doing most of the work.
From Slate ● Oct. 17, 2026
"This isn't about willpower or smaller portions," Dr. Kahleova said.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 17, 2026
With a little willpower, Leo urged them to move, using the Roman numerals to guide him.
From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions 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.
