Words / A2

un-WIL-ing/ʌnˈwɪlɪŋ/

Unwilling means not wanting to do something: unwilling to help, unwilling guests, seem unwilling. Willing is the opposite. Reluctant is a close cousin (often a little more formal). Unable is about skill or possibility, not want. Do not write unwilling when you mean unable, or unwell.

Meaning

Not wanting to do something.

Examples

• “He was unwilling to share his notes.”
• “They were unwilling to change the booking.”
• “An unwilling smile is not the same as a real one.”

Good to know

unwilling to + verb. Opposite: willing. Cousin: reluctant. Contrast: unable (cannot). Mix-up: unwell.

Near in meaning

reluctant

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