unwillingly

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'unwillingly' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adverb which is used to describe an action that is done unwillingly or reluctantly. For example: She unwillingly conceded defeat.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr Ryaas was then pushed, unwillingly, into a new role as minister for administrative reform.

The Economist

Unwillingly, they are now getting ready to chuck the D-mark for the euro, in some ways an even harder sacrifice for eastern Germans who were able to join the D-mark club only in 1990, after decades of yearning.

The Economist

ON OCTOBER 10th a dishevelled Ali Zidan, Libya's prime minister, was escorted unwillingly at dawn by unknown men from the Corinthia Hotel, the smartest in Tripoli, the capital.

The Economist

He went unwillingly, insisting he was still the genuine president.

The Economist

Many were transferred unwillingly to Neukölln from East Berlin's shrinking schools; less than 1% of the district's 2,500 teachers share their students' migrant backgrounds.

The Economist

The government, not too unwillingly, is studying it.In this section The price of lobster thermidor Your friendly neighbourhood arms-dealer Toiling friends Paying for the universities ReprintsThe universities have been in money trouble for years.

The Economist

The plant's tormentors have mustered rallies, blocked roads and even assaulted an employee of a Tata supplier, all in the name of the smallholders who unwillingly lost their land to the project.The West Bengal government wanted the Nano plant both for the jobs it would bring and the message it would send.

The Economist

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, March 30thFalse imprisonment "I hope that attendance here was not compulsory...I apologise if you were unwillingly in attendance here".

The Economist

We learn gradually that he has unwillingly lost his singing partner.

The Economist

LIVING from the forced labour, or unwillingly provided sexual services, of vulnerable people is a horrific business, and more should be done to punish the perpetrators and succour the victims.

The Economist

Similar groans used to be heard at the Christian Democratic headquarters in Bonn, where Mr Rühe was general secretary for three years before going to defence.He went unwillingly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "unwillingly" with strong verbs to emphasize the degree of reluctance. For example, "He unwillingly confessed" is more impactful than "He unwillingly spoke."

Common error

Avoid using "unwillingly" to describe actions of inanimate objects or abstract concepts. "The policy unwillingly changed" is incorrect because policies lack the capacity for volition. Instead, specify who changed the policy unwillingly.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "unwillingly" functions as a modifier of a verb, describing the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that the subject of the verb is acting with reluctance or against their own will. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unwillingly" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverb that modifies verbs, indicating reluctance or lack of volition in performing an action. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. Its usage spans various contexts, particularly news, encyclopedias, and formal writing, and is often paired with strong verbs to emphasize the degree of reluctance. While interchangeable with terms like "reluctantly" or "grudgingly", care should be taken to avoid misusing it with inanimate subjects. By understanding its function and communicative purpose, writers can effectively convey nuanced emotional contexts in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reluctantly

Emphasizes a sense of internal resistance or hesitation before performing an action.

against one's will

Highlights the element of coercion or opposition to one's own desires.

involuntarily

Suggests a lack of control or conscious choice in performing the action.

grudgingly

Indicates a resentful or resentful compliance with a demand or expectation.

with reluctance

Focuses on the hesitation and unwillingness felt while doing something.

under duress

Implies that the action is performed because of pressure or threats.

under compulsion

Suggests being forced or obliged to do something.

hesitantly

Describes performing an action in a slow or tentative manner due to uncertainty or reluctance.

with reservation

Expresses a qualified acceptance or agreement, implying some level of doubt or disapproval.

without enthusiasm

Shows a lack of excitement or eagerness, suggesting that the action is performed merely out of obligation.

FAQs

How can I use "unwillingly" in a sentence?

"Unwillingly" describes an action performed with reluctance. For example, "She "unwillingly" agreed to the terms" indicates she accepted them but was not happy about it.

What's the difference between "unwillingly" and "involuntarily"?

"Unwillingly" means doing something against one's will, implying a conscious decision. "Involuntarily" suggests a lack of control or awareness, like a reflex. For example, a person might "unwillingly" agree to a deal but "involuntarily" flinch at a loud noise.

What are some alternatives to using "unwillingly" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "reluctantly", "grudgingly", or "hesitantly" instead of "unwillingly".

Is it correct to say someone "unwillingly" participated in an event?

Yes, it is correct. This usage indicates that the person took part in the event but did so with a sense of reluctance or against their own wishes. For example, "He "unwillingly" participated in the charity auction after being pressured by his colleagues".