unwilling

unwilling — adjective

1. deciding or choosing not to do something because you do not want to; refusing to

1.形容詞B1
釋義

deciding or choosing not to do something because you do not want to; refusing to do what is asked or expected

例句

Erik was unwilling to lend his car to his younger brother.

unwilling + to-infinitive for refusing an action

The company appears unwilling to offer refunds for the delayed flight.

同義詞
  • reluctant

    softer than unwilling — implies hesitation or resistance rather than a firm refusal

  • hesitant

    focuses on delay or caution before acting, often from uncertainty rather than opposition

  • disinclined

    more formal and milder — suggests a slight lack of desire rather than active refusal

反義詞
  • willing

    ready and happy to do something

  • eager

    enthusiastic and excited to do something

文法句型

unwilling + to-infinitive

用法筆記

Frequently followed by a to-infinitive. This sense implies a deliberate personal choice to refuse, rather than an inability or lack of opportunity.

常見錯誤

❌I was unwilling can come to the party.
✅I was unwilling to come to the party.
💡'unwilling' must be followed by 'to' before another verb.
❌I was unwilling to the party.
✅I was unwilling to go to the party.
💡'unwilling' needs a verb after it, not a noun phrase.

2. done, given, or experienced even though the person does not truly want to, usual

2.形容詞B2
釋義

done, given, or experienced even though the person does not truly want to, usually because they are forced by pressure or circumstances

例句

Ziad gave an unwilling smile when his boss asked him to work through the weekend.

unwilling + noun (smile / praise / consent)

The team's unwilling participation in the event was clear from their faces.

unwilling + noun for a forced action or role

同義詞
  • forced

    stronger — emphasises external compulsion with no choice

  • grudging

    more resentful — highlights displeasure or annoyance at having to do something

  • reluctant

    softer — can describe both a person and the action, with less emphasis on compulsion

反義詞
  • willing

    done gladly and without hesitation

  • voluntary

    done by choice, not because of pressure

文法句型

unwilling + noun

用法筆記

Used only attributively — placed before a noun to describe an action, role, or response that is given reluctantly. Distinguish from sense 1, where 'unwilling' describes the person's attitude, not the action itself.

常見錯誤

❌He was unwilling to smile at the party.' (if meaning a forced smile).
✅He gave an unwilling smile at the party.
💡Sense 2 goes before a noun; use sense 1 with 'to-infinitive' for personal refusal.
❌She was an unwilling to participate.
✅She was an unwilling participant.
💡'unwilling' in this sense directly modifies the noun, not a verb.