Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • In an unwilling manner; against one's will; not with good will; reluctantly.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • adverb In an unwilling or uncooperative manner.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • adverb in an unwilling manner

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

un- + willing + -ly

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Examples

  • You would all have enjoyed seeing Sir Winston with a twinkle in his eye referring to the Socialist election propaganda that he has been pushed unwillingly from the high office of Prime Minister.

    Canada's Impact on World Affairs 1955

  • "Thou hast shewn me nothing with all thy talk of the Bernardini;" she spoke the name unwillingly, Ecciva seemed to force her to continue the theme, and it was with difficulty that she could withdraw her hand from the Grecian maiden's sinuous clasp.

    The Royal Pawn of Venice A Romance of Cyprus Lawrence Turnbull

  • [Page 67] not know how often in these days she is obliged to tear herself unwillingly from the bedside of her sick to go to her work?

    The Montessori Method Anne E. Montessori George 1912

  • Merlin unwillingly finds himself thrown into the position of Arthur’s servant, and though the two clash initially, they have develop a mutual respect as the series has progressed.

    Television Review – Merlin 2009

  • Merlin unwillingly finds himself thrown into the position of Arthur’s servant, and though the two clash initially, they have develop a mutual respect as the series has progressed.

    09 « July « 2009 « Axiom's Edge Science Fiction and Fantasy 2009

  • The son will be a point of view character who gets dragged in unwillingly and unknowingly, only to provide a fresh POV into Jack’s world and the craziness surrounding him.

    The Jack Bauer Hour of Power returns 2006

  • If a man's achievement be rightly gauged by the difficulties he has overcome, then M. CLEM.NCEAU, called unwillingly and unwilling at the most desperate crisis of the destiny of a distracted and dispirited France hammered by the enemy's legions and with the pass ready for sale by false friends, may well justify M.. HYNDM.N'S verdict on him as _the_ statesman of the Great War.

    Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 156, March 19, 1919 Various

  • Government called the unwillingly idle and suffering people to arms.

    The President's Message 1861

  • The beautiful flowers, the curious thorny bushes, the gorgeous butterflies, and many-coloured birds were all there; but our attention could only be called unwillingly to them.

    The Naturalist in Nicaragua Thomas Belt 1855

  • If as you go on, you begin to have doubts about its being right to go, or to be sorry that you are going, and still walk on in the same road, however slowly or unwillingly, that is not changing your mind about going.

    The Good News of God Charles Kingsley 1847

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