unwilling to work

Meanings

1. 1phraseafter a verb

   Not wanting or not prepared to do a job or make an effort.

   Grammar: Follows linking verbs: 'He is unwilling to work.' It cannot be used before a noun; say 'a person unwilling to work', not 'an unwilling to work person'.

   Patterns

   • be unwilling to work
   • seem unwilling to work
   • remain unwilling to work

   After the argument, he was unwilling to work with the rest of the team.

   The manager complained that some staff seemed unwilling to work extra hours.

   She is unwilling to work in a job that does not use her skills.

2. 2phraseafter a verbdisapproving

   Not willing to make an effort in general; often used critically of people who avoid employment.

   Grammar: Often used in political or social discussions about employment; can sound disapproving.

   Patterns

   • unwilling to work
   • accuse someone of being unwilling to work
   • described as unwilling to work

   Critics say the new benefit rules punish people who are genuinely unwilling to work.

   He was accused of being unwilling to work and living off his parents.

   The survey found that most young people were not unwilling to work, just unable to find jobs.

Common combinations

be unwilling to work

She is unwilling to work on weekends, so we need someone else.

seem unwilling to work

He seems unwilling to work as part of a team.

unwilling to work hard

They are unwilling to work hard for long-term rewards.

unwilling to work with someone

The two departments are unwilling to work with each other.

Synonyms and how they differ

reluctant to work

Very close in meaning, but 'reluctant' often suggests hesitation rather than a firm refusal.

work-shy

A stronger, more disapproving adjective, often used in British English about people who avoid employment.

lazy

Describes a permanent character trait of avoiding effort, not just a current unwillingness.

Opposites

Word family

unwilling adjective

Not wanting to do something.

unwillingly adverb

In a way that shows you do not want to do something.

willingness noun

The state of being ready or happy to do something.

work verb

To do a job or activity that requires effort.

Commonly confused: unwilling to work or unwilling to do work? unwilling to work or unable to work?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “unwilling to work”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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