Unwillingly — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective adverb /ˌən-ˈwi-liŋ/ un·will·ing

Meaning & Definition of Unwillingly

Unwillingly (adjective)

  1. not willing:
  2. loath, reluctant
  3. done or given reluctantly

Unwillingly (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in involuntarily

    similar: involuntarily, reluctantly, forcibly, willy-nilly
    opposite: fain, first, preferably, rather, readily, soon, willingly, alternately, alternatively, either, instead, electively, optionally

Related Entry: Unwilling (adjective)

Unwilling is a different word from Unwillingly. The synonyms below are for unwilling, not for unwillingly.

  1. not made or done willingly or by choice

    "unwilling contributions from city employees who felt pressured to do so"

    similar: coerced, forced, involuntary, unintended, unintentional, will-less
    related: accidental, unplanned, unpremeditated, automatic, impulsive, instinctive, spontaneous, unprompted, inadvertent, unconscious, unknowing, unwitting
    opposite: deliberate, freewill, intentional, uncoerced, unforced, voluntary, willful, willing
    near: advised, conscious, considered, knowing, planned, premeditated, premeditative, prepense, purposeful, volitional, self-imposed, self-inflicted

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Unwillingly

The most common words with a similar meaning to Unwillingly:

involuntarily, reluctantly, forcibly, willy-nilly

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Unwillingly

Words with the opposite meaning of Unwillingly:

fain, first, preferably, rather, readily, soon, willingly, alternately, alternatively, either, instead, electively, optionally

Word Forms of Unwillingly

Derived words: unwillingly (adverb), unwillingness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Unwillingly

First known use: before 12th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Unwillingly

What does "Unwillingly" mean?

"Unwillingly" means not willing:. As an an adjective and an adverb, it is defined as: not willing:.

What is another word for "Unwillingly"?

Other words for "Unwillingly" include involuntarily, reluctantly, forcibly and willy-nilly. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Unwillingly" you intend.

What is the opposite of "Unwillingly"?

Antonyms of "Unwillingly" include fain, first, preferably, rather, readily, soon, willingly and alternately.

Is "Unwillingly" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Unwillingly" can be used as an adjective and an adverb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Unwillingly"?

"Unwillingly" is pronounced /ˌən-ˈwi-liŋ/ and divided into syllables as un·will·ing.

What is the origin of the word "Unwillingly"?

First known use: before 12th century.

What is another word for "Unwillingly" meaning "as in involuntarily"?

When "Unwillingly" (adverb) means as in involuntarily, synonyms include involuntarily, reluctantly, forcibly and willy-nilly. Opposites in this sense include fain, first, preferably and rather.

What words are derived from "Unwillingly"?

Words derived from "Unwillingly" include unwillingly (adverb) and unwillingness (noun).