unwilling

From un- +‎ willing.

• IPA^(key): /ʌnˈwɪlɪŋ/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ɪlɪŋ

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, [...].

• unwillingly (adverb)