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Definition of willfully

willfully

/ˈwɪlfəli/
(UK: wilfully)
will · ful · ly
Adjective:willful
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willfully Lexical Profile

willfully Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

American With the deliberate intention of causing harm or violating a rule; intentionally and knowingly.

Example

"The company was fined heavily for willfully ignoring environmental safety regulations."

2

American In a stubborn and determined manner, regardless of the consequences or the advice of others.

Example

"Despite his parents' warnings, the teenager willfully pursued his own risky plan."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for willfully
Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

"Willfully" is the standard spelling in American English, whereas "wilfully" (with a single 'l' in the first syllable) is standard in British and Commonwealth English. Unlike "willingly," which implies happy or ready consent, "willfully" strongly implies deliberate, stubborn, and often wrongful intent.

• Rhymes for willfully

• Nearby Words

willamette falls
willet
willful
willfully
willfulness
william
williams

Cite this Entry

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