willing

/ˈwɪlɪŋ/

/ˈwɪlɪŋ/

Other forms: willinger; willingest

If you're willing to do something, you're agreeable or ready. A willing participant in your play is someone who won't have to be coerced into taking part, but is happy to join you on stage.

Imagine that your neighbor asks whether you're willing to feed her cat while she's out of town. If you're open to helping her, perhaps even enthusiastic about spending time with a friendly cat, you're willing. Someone who's not willing would have to be persuaded or forced to do it. You can also use this adjective to mean "readily or enthusiastically done," as in the willing support you offer your best friend when she runs for class president.

Definitions of willing

1. noun

   the act of making a choice
   synonyms: volition

   types:

   intention

   an act of intending; a volition that you intend to carry out

   type of:

   choice, option, pick, selection

   the act of choosing or selecting
2. adjective

   disposed or inclined toward
   “a willing participant”

   “willing helpers”

   synonyms:

   compliant

   disposed or willing to comply

   inclined

   (often followed by `to') having a preference, disposition, or tendency

   ready

   completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

   voluntary

   of your own free will or design; done by choice; not forced or compelled

   consenting

   having given consent

   disposed, fain, inclined, prepared

   having made preparations

   glad, happy

   eagerly disposed to act or to be of service

   ready

   mentally disposed

   volitional

   with deliberate intention

   willing and able

   not reluctant

   antonyms:

   unwilling

   not disposed or inclined toward

   defiant, noncompliant

   boldly resisting authority or an opposing force

   disinclined

   unwilling because of mild dislike or disapproval

   involuntary, nonvoluntary, unvoluntary

   not subject to the control of the will

   grudging

   unwilling or reluctant, of especially an attitude

   loath, loth, reluctant

   unwilling to do something contrary to your custom

   unintentional, unwilled

   without deliberate intent
3. adjective

   not brought about by coercion or force
   synonyms: uncoerced, unforced

   voluntary

   of your own free will or design; done by choice; not forced or compelled