unwilling to answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unwilling to answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is not prepared or does not want to respond to a question or request. Example: "During the interview, the candidate seemed unwilling to answer questions about their previous job experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

The only question he was unwilling to answer was how to reach them.

The New York Times

Anyone unwilling to answer these questions should not be setting national immigration policy.

The New York Times

She was not wheezing much, they found, but seemed unwilling to answer their questions.

The New York Times - Health

Many also had to face the dogs and electric fences of white residents unwilling to answer questions.

The Economist

After spending three months in custody, he emerged unharmed but unwilling to answer questions about the experience.

The New York Times

The chief executive of the company, James L. Dolan, was also unwilling to answer detailed questions at the meeting.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Alaska's Joe Miller and Delaware's Christine O'Donnell, two Senate candidates who shocked the establishment with primary victories thanks in part to heavy support from Palin, were both unwilling to definitively answer questions about her presidential fitness.

Huffington Post

It's a question that Point of Honor seems entirely unwilling or unable to answer in its first hour.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I interviewed him with a translator, but he seemed unwilling or unable to answer any specific questions about policies or potential legislation.

The New Yorker

In this complex family, Mr. Stephens is the new boy, genial, bumbling, keen to learn and to understand, asking questions that the others may be unwilling - or afraid - to answer.

The New York Times - Books

A total of 1,391 people were interviewed between 22 September and 24 October, mostly via the internet but in 278 cases by phone, the latter group consisting of respondents who were unwilling or unable to answer via the internet.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's reluctance to answer, consider the specific reason behind it. Use "unwilling to answer" when the person could answer but chooses not to, and "unable to answer" when they lack the knowledge or authority.

Common error

Avoid using "unwilling to answer" when the person genuinely cannot answer due to lack of information or competence. "Unable to answer" is more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unwilling to answer" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, describing someone's state or disposition regarding their response to a question. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unwilling to answer" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe someone's choice not to respond. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and readily applicable in various contexts. While similar to "unable to answer", it specifically denotes a deliberate refusal rather than a lack of capability. You'll find it frequently in journalistic and scientific reporting. When writing, be aware and avoid confusing the terms "unable" and "unwilling".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reluctant to respond

Emphasizes hesitation or disinclination to answer.

hesitant to reply

Highlights a pause or delay in answering due to uncertainty.

declined to comment

Indicates a formal refusal to provide any information.

refused to disclose

Focuses on the act of withholding information.

not inclined to say

Suggests a lack of desire or motivation to speak.

preferred not to discuss

Indicates a choice to avoid a particular topic.

evaded the question

Highlights the act of deliberately avoiding a direct answer.

remained silent on the issue

Focuses on complete absence of response.

mum's the word

Informal way to express a promise of silence.

kept their lips sealed

Suggests a deliberate and determined refusal to speak.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "unwilling to answer"?

Being "unwilling to answer" means someone is choosing not to provide a response to a question, even though they likely have the information or ability to do so.

How to use "unwilling to answer" in a sentence?

You can say, "The witness was "unwilling to answer" questions about the incident", indicating their refusal to cooperate.

What is the difference between "unwilling to answer" and "unable to answer"?

"Unwilling to answer" implies a choice not to respond, while "unable to answer" suggests a lack of capacity or knowledge.

What are some alternatives to "unwilling to answer"?

Alternatives include "reluctant to respond", "declined to comment", or "refused to disclose" depending on the context.