unwilling

Everyday

1. Unwilling means not wanting to do something, doing it only because you have to: an unwilling helper. tree →
2. Unwilling to do something means you refuse or are not ready to do it. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and stories, an unwilling child goes to bed or tidies up; an unwilling hero is pushed into adventure. In formal maths problems, «unwilling to pay more than 20 dollars» sets a limit. Phrases: unwilling to help, an unwilling volunteer.

Examples

• The cat was unwilling to go into its basket. tree →
• He was unwilling to share his toys. tree →
• She went to the dentist unwillingly. tree →
• Tom was an unwilling volunteer for the magic trick. tree →
• Many people were unwilling to go out in the storm. tree →
• Mia is unwilling to pay more than 10 pounds for the book. tree →
• He was unwilling at first, but the maiden insisted. tree →

Note

«Un-» + «willing». Usually followed by «to + verb»: unwilling to go. Similar: reluctant. Opposite: willing, keen, eager. In maths, «unwilling to pay more than 10» means 10 is the most (the price must be 10 or less).