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be unwilling

VERB
hesitate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
balk dither falter pause ponder stumble waffle waver
STRONG
alternate balance dally debate defer delay demur dillydally doubt equivocate flounder fluctuate fumble hang hedge hover linger oscillate pussyfoot scruple seesaw shift shrink stammer stop straddle stutter swerve tergiversate vacillate weigh
WEAK
be irresolute be reluctant blow hot and cold hang back hem and haw hold back hold off pull back shy away sit on fence think about think twice
Antonyms
STRONGEST
continue persist
STRONG
advance agree do well expedite face go go along hasten hurry meet remain rush stay
WEAK
attack carry on go ahead persevere resolve
VERB
scruple
Synonyms
STRONG
boggle demur doubt falter fret gag hesitate question shy stick stickle stumble vacillate waver worry
WEAK
be loath be reluctant have qualms think twice about
Antonyms
STRONG
continue remain stay
WEAK
not care

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.

Absent a much larger U.S. military operation, they might be unwilling to cooperate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 4, 2026

And without a pressing geopolitical threat, Congress may be unwilling to spend more on space exploration, as it did during the 1960s with the Apollo program, Forczyk said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2024

It is thought China would be unwilling to openly violate these sanctions by accepting a fresh tranche of workers.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2024

How ironic for people, normally so concerned with personal identity, to be unwilling to put their names proudly alongside their rhetoric.

From Washington Times • Dec. 7, 2023

I’m embarrassed—no, angry at myself—for not approaching them earlier, wrongly assuming they might be unwilling to stand up to the Director.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed