DictionaryAI

willing

WIL-ing/ˈwɪlɪŋ/

Noun pluralwillings

3 meanings of willing

Practice

  1. 1
    readyadjective
    Ready to do something and not against it, even when it takes work.

    She is willing to help with the dishes after dinner.

    Most students were willing to stay late to finish the project.

    UsageSay willing to do something, as in willing to help.

    Similarready, prepared, inclined, eager, keen

    Oppositeunwilling, reluctant, loath, averse

    Note
  2. 2
    urging onverb
    Present participle and gerund of will, used for an action going on or as the name of that action.

    He stared at the clock, willing it to move faster.

    She kept willing herself to stay calm before the test.

    UsageThe verb usually has a person or thing after it: willing him to win, willing the clock to move.

    Note
  3. 3
    nounobsolete
    The act of wanting or choosing something.

willing is a form of will

will, verb: Used to talk about the future, as in 'it will rain'. Full entry

Forms
will also he/she/itwilling -ing formwould past tensewilled past participle
Spelling
will → willing: add -ing

Use it in a sentence

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Origin

The adjective comes from Old English "willende," and the noun from Old English "willung." It can be seen as "will" plus "-ing."

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts