willing

Pluralwillings

1. 1
   readyadjective

   Prepared to do something without objecting, especially something that demands effort or change.

   The union was willing to compromise on wages but not on safety rules.

   We need a few willing volunteers to set up chairs before the event.

   UsageUsually followed by to + verb (willing to help); a common set phrase is ready, willing and able.

   Similarready, prepared, inclined, eager, keen

   Oppositeunwilling, reluctant, loath, averse

   Note

   Before a noun, it can praise readiness for hard work, as in Conan Doyle's "willing lads" in When the World Screamed. O. S. Nock even applies it to a locomotive in Railway Magazine (1947): "a more willing or harder working Atlantic engine."

2. 2
   urging onverb

   Present participle and gerund of will, the verb, as in willing something to happen or willing a house to a child.

   The crowd stood silent, willing the runner toward the finish line.

   Willing yourself to fall asleep almost never works.

   UsageThe verb usually takes an object: willing him to win, willing the runner on; compare the adjective, willing to win.

   Note

   Only the full verb has this -ing form. The auxiliary will, which marks the future, habit or readiness, does not take -ing, so willing belongs to the full verb, most often in its sense of exerting one's will to make something happen, as in willing the runner on.

3. 3
   nounobsolete

   The act of exercising the will; wishing, desiring or choosing.

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