If someone is willing to do something, they are fairly happy about doing it and will do it if they are asked or required to do it.
The military now say they're willing to hold talks with the political parties.
There are, of course, questions which she will not be willing to answer.
Synonyms: inclined, prepared, happy, pleased More Synonyms of willing
willingnessuncountable noun
I had to prove my willingness to work hard and accept the university's authority.
2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
Willing is used to describe someone who does something fairly enthusiastically and because they want to do it rather than because they are forced to do it.
Have the party on a Saturday, when you can get your partner and other willing adultsto help.
Although he had had no formal engineering training he was a natural and willing pupil.
willinglygraded adverb [ADVERB with verb]
Most companies willingly correct what went wrong.
Synonyms: readily, freely, gladly, happily More Synonyms of willing
willingnessuncountable noun
Self-discipline, willingness, enthusiasm, that's what you must depend on.
Synonyms: inclination, will, agreement, wish More Synonyms of willing
3. God willing
More Synonyms of willing
willing in British English
(ˈwɪlɪŋ)
adjective
1.
favourably disposed or inclined; ready
2.
cheerfully or eagerly compliant
3.
done, given, accepted, etc, freely or voluntarily
Derived forms
willingly (ˈwillingly)
adverb
willingness (ˈwillingness)
noun
willing in American English
(ˈwɪlɪŋ)
adjective
1.
favorably disposed or consenting (to do something specified or implied)
2.
acting, giving, etc. readily and cheerfully
3.
done, given, etc. readily or gladly; voluntary
Derived forms
willingly (ˈwillingly)
adverb
willingness (ˈwillingness)
noun
Word origin
ME < OE willung < willian, to UNRESOLVED CROSS REF, v.
Examples of 'willing' in a sentence
willing
They may still be willing to help.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
The vital thing is to show willing.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
That was despite admitting they would be willing to accept it in five staggered equal payments.
The Sun (2016)
We might now be willing to repair such a building.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Also a willing runner to help out the defence.
The Sun (2016)
But it shows he is willing to come here for footballing reasons and that speaks volumes.
The Sun (2016)
They claimed she was a willing partner and did not face a trial due to lack of evidence.
The Sun (2017)
The winner must be willing to engage with publicity and will be selected at the Editor's discretion.
The Sun (2016)
For anyone who thinks that human beings have a monopoly on love, here is a wild dog willing to sacrifice her life to protect her young.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
I'm ready, willing and up for the challenge.
The Sun (2016)
You just have to have a willing heart.
Christianity Today (2000)
No one appeared able or willing to help him.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Show willing to try to help him feel more comfortable.
The Sun (2012)
People are willing to sacrifice all sorts of things in their desire to be heroes.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
This time it is a willing partner.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They are ready and willing to pay the tax.
The Sun (2014)
Until now he has been arguing that only his party is willing to fight unemployment.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
To grow and improve you must be willing to work towards your ideal self on your own.
Harris, Jean Everything You Need to Know for Success in Business (1990)
May makes the sacrifice with a free heart and willing mind.
Charlotte M. Yonge The Daisy Chain (1837)
It is just a shame he does not appear to be willing to prove it.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Show willing to look at the opportunities nearer her family.
The Sun (2015)
Her husband was willing to help her make the journey.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The only snag is that it is proving difficult to find a willing partner.
The Sun (2015)
Are we ready and willing to join the euro?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
No party is willing to spell out many savings.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Was she now willing to live without that pack?
Jan Fennell, Foreword by Monty Roberts THE DOG LISTENER: Learning the Language of your Best Friend (2002)
Those involved must be willing to be explicit to some degree about their wants and needs.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Most were not willing to appear on camera but were happy to confirm, to verify and to clarify.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
In other languages
willing
British English: willing /ˈwɪlɪŋ/ ADJECTIVE
If someone is willing to do something, they do not mind doing it or have no objection to doing it.
She's willing to answer questions.
American English: willing
Arabic: مُسْتَعِدّ
Brazilian Portuguese: disposto
Chinese: 乐意的
Croatian: voljan
Czech: ochotný
Danish: villig
Dutch: bereid
European Spanish: estar dispuesto
Finnish: valmis johonkin
French: disposé
German: gewillt
Greek: πρόθυμος
Italian: volenteroso
Japanese: 進んで･･･する
Korean: ...하고 싶은 마음이 드는
Norwegian: villig
Polish: skłonny
European Portuguese: disposto
Romanian: dispus
Russian: желающий
Latin American Spanish: deseoso
Swedish: villig
Thai: เต็มใจ
Turkish: istekli
Ukrainian: охочий
Vietnamese: sẵn lòng
All related terms of 'willing'
will
You use will to indicate that you hope , think , or have evidence that something is going to happen or be the case in the future.
God willing
If you say God willing , you are saying that something will happen if all goes well .
willing horse
a person prepared to work hard
willing seller
A seller of a type of thing is a person or company that sells that type of thing.
willing volunteer
A volunteer is someone who offers to do a particular task or job without being forced to do it.
willing participant
The participants in an activity are the people who take part in it.
Chinese translation of 'willing'
willing
(ˈwɪlɪŋ)
adj
to be willing to do sth愿(願)意做某事 (yuànyì zuò mǒushì)