adjective

unwilling

unwilling, reluctant, disinclined

He was unwilling to help.

He was unwilling to help.

She gave an unwilling smile.

She gave an unwilling smile.

unwilling ((to-inf)) to be unwilling to do something He was unwilling to help.

Synonyms: reluctant, hesitant; Antonyms: willing, eager

From the prefix 'un-' (not) and 'willing' (ready to do something). Literally means 'not willing'.

Think of 'un-' as a negation. If you are 'willing' to do something, you want to do it. If you are 'unwilling', you do not want to do it.

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