What does unwillingly mean?
Unwillingly is an adverb meaning “in a way that shows unwillingness or reluctance.” It describes performing an action when one would prefer not to, often while still accepting that it must be done. For example, someone may unwillingly agree to a proposal, accept an apology, or comply with a request. The word can imply a lack of enthusiasm, but it does not necessarily mean open refusal or inability; a person may cooperate while clearly resisting the action. Unwillingly is used in both British and American English and is appropriate in formal writing, journalism, and conversation. In casual speech, the shorter alternative “reluctantly” is often more idiomatic. The word is especially useful when the distinction between compliance and genuine willingness matters.
adverbIn a way that shows someone is doing something without willingness or enthusiasm; reluctantly.
- Without willingness or enthusiasm; reluctantly.
"She reluctantly agreed to speak at the ceremony."
"He unwillingly accepted the role after several months of negotiations."
"The witness gave her testimony unwillingly and paused before answering."
Add “-ly” to unwilling and reluctance becomes an action: unwillingly is how you do something when you would rather not.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unwillingly come from?
Unwillingly was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix “-ly” to “unwilling,” a word built from the Germanic prefix “un-” and “willing.” The base meaning is “not willing,” while the adverbial form describes an action performed without willingness. It belongs to a family of English forms that includes “willing,” “willingness,” and the related adjectives “wilful” and “willful.”
How unwillingly is actually used
Unwillingly is neutral in register but can sound slightly formal in everyday conversation. It generally implies reluctance rather than inability: a person may be willing to act but do so unwillingly. In more casual contexts, reluctantly is often the more natural choice.
Easily confused with unwillingly
Unwilling is an adjective describing a person's lack of willingness, whereas unwillingly is an adverb describing how someone does something.