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Definition of unwilling

unwilling

/ʌnˈwɪl.ɪŋ/
un · will · ing
Adverb:unwillingly
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unwilling Lexical Profile

unwilling Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Not ready, eager, or prepared to do something; acting against one's own desire or inclination.

Example

"The witness was unwilling to testify without a guarantee of protection."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for unwilling

• Rhymes for unwilling

• Nearby Words

unwieldiness
unwieldy
unwilled
unwilling
unwillingly
unwillingness
unwind

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English unwillende, formed from the prefix un- ('not') and willende, the present participle of willan ('to wish, desire').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Unwilling. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/unwilling
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