Definitions

unwilling

[uhn-wil-ing] / ʌnˈwɪl ɪŋ /

ADJECTIVE

not in the mood

Synonyms

STRONGEST

afraid averse compelled evasive forced loath reluctant resistant unenthusiastic

WEAK

against against the grain backward begrudging contrary demurring disinclined disobliging grudging hesitating indisposed indocile involuntary laggard malcontent opposed recalcitrant refractory remiss shrinking shy slack slow unaccommodating uncheerful uncooperative uneager uninclined unobliging unready unwishful wayward

Antonyms

STRONGEST

eager enthusiastic ready willing

WEAK

prepared

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.

See Examples For:

unwilling

Baseball has a bleak history of wealthy owners unwilling to open up their wallets when it matters most—why howl about a team that unabashedly does?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 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

Similarly, Arsenal have a hardline maximum valuation of Guimaraes and are unwilling to overpay despite their desire to sign the midfielder.

From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026

He said that Tesla “seems unwilling or unable to reduce the uncertainty” around its scale-up, which is “clearly” hurting the stock.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 23, 2026

Sandi squirmed at her seat, unwilling to go, unless she could be granted a smiling permission.

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez

unwilling

Example Sentences

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