unwilling

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English

Etymology

From un- +‎ willing.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ʌnˈwɪlɪŋ/
  • Audio (US)(file)
  • Rhymes: -ɪlɪŋ

Adjective

unwilling (comparative more unwilling, superlative most unwilling)

  1. Not willing; reluctant
    an unwilling servant
    We are unwilling to restore his previous privileges after his betrayal of our trust.
    • 1948 January and February, “British Railways”, in Railway Magazine, page 1:
      There was a prevailing fear of the effect of large undertakings becoming monopolistic, and Parliament showed itself unwilling to sanction any large groupings.
    • 1960 March, “Motive Power Miscellany: Western Region”, in Trains Illustrated, page 184:
      [...] but in the damp conditions prevailing the driver sensibly was unwilling to attempt the climb up through Combe Down tunnel without help, for fear of slipping to a standstill in the unventilated bore, [...].

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