we were unwilling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were unwilling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a lack of desire or reluctance to do something in a past context. Example: "Despite the opportunities presented to us, we were unwilling to compromise our values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Perhaps we decided we were unwilling to pay the full price for what we enjoyed.

The New York Times

"We were unwilling for 40 minutes to put in the kind of effort you need to win a tournament game.

The New York Times - Sports

"Our latest poll showed the race had tightened, but even by our calculations we were unwilling to put California in the 'battleground state' category".

The New York Times

"We were unwilling participants in a bait-and-switch for Marie Callender's new frozen three cheese lasagna and there were cameras watching our reactions".

The New York Times

The removal of the book tower gave us more room, and we were unwilling to face an empty chair, like Elwood P. Dowd dining with Harvey.

The New York Times

"Who's up for a cruise to the Greek isles?" In response he expected us to play the part of an enthusiastic family, but we were unwilling to resume our old roles.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

We do not see the real issues in this election, for we are unwilling to look".

The New York Times

We're unwilling to make the sacrifice and spend the political capital".

The New Yorker

"So yes, I could see the Chinese being willing to make investments in areas where we are unwilling to".

The New York Times

And we're unwilling to impose and mandate behavior from the outside, we want to generate change from the inside".

The Guardian

If we are unwilling to commit American troops to this battle, we should declare defeat and go home.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were unwilling" to clearly express a decision against a particular action or choice in a past context. It conveys a sense of deliberate refusal or lack of consent.

Common error

Avoid using "we were unwilling" when a milder expression of hesitation or reluctance is more appropriate. The phrase implies a relatively firm decision, so ensure it aligns with the intended level of resistance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were unwilling" functions as a declarative statement expressing a past decision or stance of not being willing to do something. It's often used to explain a choice or action taken. Ludwig's examples show usage in news, media, and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were unwilling" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a past decision or stance of not being willing to do something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from diverse sources, including News & Media and Science. While its register is generally neutral to professional, careful consideration should be given to the context to ensure its strength aligns with the intended message. When a softer approach is required, alternatives like "we were reluctant" or "we didn't want to" might be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were reluctant

Indicates a hesitation or disinclination, similar to unwillingness but possibly implying a milder level of resistance.

we were disinclined

Similar to "unwilling" but suggests a lack of enthusiasm or motivation.

we declined to

A more formal way of expressing refusal or unwillingness to do something.

we weren't disposed to

Indicates a lack of inclination or a negative attitude towards something.

we refused to

Indicates a firm and explicit rejection or unwillingness.

we were not prepared to

Suggests a lack of readiness or acceptance of the conditions necessary to do something.

we hesitated to

Implies a pause or delay due to uncertainty or reluctance before acting.

we didn't want to

A straightforward and simple way to express a lack of desire to do something.

we couldn't bring ourselves to

Highlights the internal struggle or emotional barrier preventing an action.

we deemed it inappropriate to

Suggests a judgment that something was not suitable or fitting in a particular context.

FAQs

How can I use "we were unwilling" in a sentence?

You can use "we were unwilling" to express a lack of desire or refusal to do something. For example, "Despite the pressure, "we were unwilling" to compromise our principles."

What's a less formal alternative to "we were unwilling"?

If you're aiming for a less formal tone, you could say "we didn't want to" or "we weren't keen to", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we are unwilling" instead of "we were unwilling"?

Yes, both are correct, but they refer to different timeframes. "We are unwilling" indicates a current state of unwillingness, while "we were unwilling" refers to a past decision or feeling.

What's the difference between "we were unwilling" and "we were unable"?

"We were unwilling" means that you had the capacity to do something but chose not to, while "we were unable" means you lacked the capacity or means to do it, regardless of your willingness.