not willing to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not willing to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a lack of desire or intention to do something. Example: "She is not willing to compromise on her principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm not willing to say there will be no impact.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Not willing to gamble?

The New York Times - Travel

I'm not willing to play".

The New York Times

Guests are not willing to sacrifice that.

The New York Times

But they were not willing to adapt.

The New Yorker

I am not willing to compromise".

Independent

Or not willing to do".

The New Yorker

"We're not willing to wait.

The Guardian

But not willing to visit?

The New York Times

"But I'm not willing to do that".

The New York Times

I'm just not willing to step down.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not willing to", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the unwillingness to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "not willing to" in overly passive constructions. Rephrasing to active voice often makes the sentence more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not willing to" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase. It describes a subject's disposition or intention regarding a particular action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not willing to" is a versatile phrase used to express reluctance, refusal, or a lack of intention. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business settings. Alternatives include "unprepared to", "reluctant to", or "refuse to" depending on the desired nuance. To improve your writing, avoid passive constructions and ensure context clearly explains the reason for the unwillingness. According to Ludwig, this phrase is very common across different media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refuse to

Firmly reject or deny willingness. Indicates a strong position.

reluctant to

Emphasizes hesitation and mild opposition, softer than a firm refusal.

hesitant to

Highlights pausing before action due to uncertainty or doubt, less definitive than unwillingness.

unprepared to

Indicates a lack of readiness or anticipation, differing slightly from a conscious unwillingness.

disinclined to

Suggests a lack of enthusiasm or motivation, implying a preference against something.

decline to

Formally refuse to do something. Direct and unambiguous.

opposed to

Indicates direct resistance or disagreement, stronger than simple unwillingness.

averse to

Implies a strong dislike or repugnance, suggesting a more emotional response.

resistant to

Highlights active opposition and effort to prevent something from happening.

unable to accept

Highlights lack of acceptance. Places emphasis on not accepting instead of unwillingness.

FAQs

What does "not willing to" mean?

The phrase "not willing to" indicates a lack of desire, inclination, or readiness to do something. It expresses a conscious choice to avoid a particular action or behavior.

How can I use "not willing to" in a sentence?

You can use "not willing to" to express a personal decision or describe someone else's reluctance. For example, "I am "not willing to" compromise my values" or "They are "not willing to" accept the terms."

What are some alternatives to "not willing to"?

Some alternatives include "reluctant to", "unprepared to", "hesitant to", or simply "refuse to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "unwilling to" or "not willing to"?

Both "unwilling to" and "not willing to" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Unwilling to" is slightly more concise, while "not willing to" might be preferred for emphasis or in certain sentence structures.