become unwilling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become unwilling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a change in attitude or willingness, often in the context of someone who was previously willing but has now changed their mind. Example: "After hearing the new terms of the agreement, she began to become unwilling to participate in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"If investors should become unwilling to loan the United States money, the United States could face an immediate cash shortfall.

The New York Times

With the advent of file-sharing, an entire generation has become unwilling to actually pay for music any more.

The Guardian - Music

Conversely, of course, when banks become unwilling to lend more money, prices can collapse.Many commentators believe current monetary policy may be encouraging bubbles to form (see Free exchange).

The Economist

Arguing that today's increasingly vast data centers are unwieldy and require corporations to become unwilling computer designers, Sun executives said Blackbox would simplify installation.

The New York Times - Tech

With the prospect that securities might not be returned, both dealers and large investors have become unwilling to lend them in the repo market.

The New York Times

Rather more credible is the explanation that Americans are more fearful for their children and have become unwilling to leave them in the company of strange men, green-hatted or otherwise.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

After a while, I became unwilling to talk about it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many on the right became unwilling to think creatively about using government to promote prosperity.

The New York Times

In America, families became unwilling to ride in anything but trucks.

The New York Times - Magazine

Dubai reluctantly implemented most sanctions by 2012 and became unwilling to process payments, even for non-sanctioned goods like art.

The Guardian

Towards the end, the national audience became unwilling to suspend disbelief, and New Labour has since struggled to stage a revival.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become unwilling", ensure that the context clearly establishes the prior state of willingness to emphasize the shift in attitude.

Common error

Avoid using "become unwilling" when describing a state that has always been present. This phrase is best used to describe a change from willingness to unwillingness, not a constant state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become unwilling" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change in state or attitude. It describes the process of transitioning from a state of willingness to a state of reluctance or opposition. Ludwig examples confirm its use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become unwilling" effectively describes a shift from a state of willingness to one of reluctance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts, particularly in news media, scientific literature, and general informational content. The analysis suggests that "become unwilling" is a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal communication, making it a versatile choice for conveying changes in attitude or intention. When using the phrase, ensure that the previous state of willingness is evident, enhancing the impact of the indicated shift.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become reluctant

A more direct synonym, indicating a simple shift to reluctance.

grow reluctant

Emphasizes a gradual shift towards unwillingness.

turn resistant

Highlights the development of opposition.

become disinclined

A more formal version, suggesting a lack of willingness or motivation.

develop an aversion

Focuses on the growth of a dislike or repugnance.

lose the desire

Indicates the disappearance of an initial inclination or motivation.

cease to want

Suggests a termination of an existing wish or need.

lose enthusiasm

Highlights the reduction in excitement and interest.

find oneself opposing

Highlights the unexpected development of an opposing stance.

start to object

Implies the initial stage of expressing disagreement or disapproval.

FAQs

How can I use "become unwilling" in a sentence?

Use "become unwilling" to describe a shift in attitude or willingness. For example, "After the project's scope changed, many participants "grew reluctant" to continue".

What are some alternatives to "become unwilling"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "grow reluctant", "turn resistant", or "become reluctant" as alternatives.

Is it correct to say "became unwilling" or "become unwilling"?

Both are correct, but "became unwilling" is the past tense, while "become unwilling" is the present tense or infinitive form. Choose the tense that matches the timeline of your sentence.

What's the difference between "become unwilling" and "become unable"?

"Become unwilling" indicates a shift in desire or motivation, whereas "become unable" refers to a shift in capacity or possibility. The first is about choice, the second is about circumstance.