unwilling

[uhn-wil-ing]

adjective

1. not willing; reluctant; loath; averse.

   an unwilling partner in the crime.

2. opposed; offering resistance; stubborn or obstinate; refractory.

   an unwilling captive.

unwilling

/ ʌnˈwɪlɪŋ /

adjective

1. unfavourably inclined; reluctant

2. performed, given, or said with reluctance

Other Word Forms

• unwillingly adverb
• unwillingness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unwilling¹

before 900; Old English unwillende (not recorded in ME); un- ¹, willing

Example Sentences

I left because I met a woman I loved who was unwilling to relocate and I wanted to be with her.

From Los Angeles Times

Others are unwilling to leave after being displaced repeatedly during the conflict.

From BBC

In May, Blackburn Rovers withdrew from WSL 2 because the club's owners were unwilling to meet the league's new requirements.

From BBC

But those hopes are looking increasingly remote and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said there would "obviously not" be a meeting and it looked like Putin was "unwilling" to take part.

From BBC

Several cities and counties across the country have adopted sanctuary city policies, but specifics as to what extent they’re willing — or unwilling — to do for federal immigration officials have varied.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• afraid 
• averse 
• compelled 
• evasive 
• forced 
• loath 
• reluctant 
• resistant 
• unenthusiastic