Unwillingness is the state of not wanting to do something or being reluctant to take action. When you show unwillingness to clean your room, you're dragging your feet, making excuses, or finding other things to do instead. It's the feeling of resistance you have toward something you'd rather avoid.

The word describes a stubborn quality, a persistent resistance that goes beyond a simple “no.” Unwillingness suggests you're actively resisting or avoiding something. A student might display unwillingness to admit a mistake, even when the evidence is clear. A younger sibling might show unwillingness to share their toys, clutching them tightly whenever someone asks.

Sometimes unwillingness comes from fear or uncertainty. A person might feel unwillingness to try ice skating because they're worried about falling. Other times it comes from stubbornness or low motivation: you know you should practice piano, but your unwillingness wins out and you keep playing video games instead.

The opposite is willingness, which means being ready and eager to do something.