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.

Local lawyers have been unwilling to take on a malpractice case because Waldorf didn’t die or end up with permanent injuries.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has agreed to allow Iran to be based in the country during the World Cup, claiming the United States were unwilling to host them.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

But Cuba’s leaders appear unwilling to make major concessions.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

The fish has proved stubbornly unwilling to reproduce in captivity without intervention, but Japanese researchers succeeded in breeding Japanese eels from eggs in a laboratory setting in 2010 at great expense.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

He stepped further into the room, not quite following her, but unwilling to let her out of close range.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

unwilling

Example Sentences

Related Words