B2 adjective Neutral

willing

/ˈwɪl.ɪŋ/

Describing someone who is ready, eager, or prepared to do something without being forced. It indicates a state of consent or a positive inclination toward a specific action or request.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I'm willing to help you move your furniture this weekend if you need a hand.

I'm willing to help you move your furniture this weekend if you need a hand.

2

The applicant must be willing to travel internationally at least once a month.

The applicant must be willing to travel internationally at least once a month.

3

I'm willing to bet that he forgot about our meeting again.

I'm willing to bet that he forgot about our meeting again.

Word Family

Noun
willingness
Verb
will
Adverb
willingly
Adjective
willing
Related
willpower
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Memory Tip

Think of 'Willpower.' If you have the 'will' to do something, you are 'willing' to do it.

Quick Quiz

Despite the difficulty of the task, she was ______ to try her best.

Correct!

The correct answer is: willing

Examples

1

I'm willing to help you move your furniture this weekend if you need a hand.

everyday

I'm willing to help you move your furniture this weekend if you need a hand.

2

The applicant must be willing to travel internationally at least once a month.

formal

The applicant must be willing to travel internationally at least once a month.

3

I'm willing to bet that he forgot about our meeting again.

informal

I'm willing to bet that he forgot about our meeting again.

4

Researchers found that subjects were more willing to cooperate when offered a small incentive.

academic

Researchers found that subjects were more willing to cooperate when offered a small incentive.

5

Our company is willing to negotiate the price if you can commit to a long-term contract.

business

Our company is willing to negotiate the price if you can commit to a long-term contract.

Word Family

Noun
willingness
Verb
will
Adverb
willingly
Adjective
willing
Related
willpower

Common Collocations

perfectly willing perfectly willing
willing to compromise willing to compromise
willing participant willing participant
show a willing spirit show a willing spirit
more than willing more than willing

Common Phrases

God willing

if all goes well / if it is meant to be

a willing horse

someone who is always happy to take on work

show oneself willing

to demonstrate a readiness to help

Often Confused With

willing vs voluntary

'Willing' refers to the internal state of mind or consent, whereas 'voluntary' often describes an action done without payment or legal compulsion.

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Usage Notes

Willing is most commonly used in the pattern 'be willing to + infinitive.' It implies that while you might not be excited about a task, you do not object to doing it.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often omit the 'to' before the verb, saying 'I am willing help' instead of 'I am willing to help.'

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Willpower.' If you have the 'will' to do something, you are 'willing' to do it.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English 'willan,' meaning to wish, desire, or be about to.

Grammar Patterns

Subject + be + willing + to-infinitive Attributive use: a willing + noun (e.g., a willing volunteer)
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Cultural Context

In many English-speaking professional environments, being described as a 'willing worker' is a strong compliment, suggesting you are a team player who doesn't complain.

Quick Quiz

Despite the difficulty of the task, she was ______ to try her best.

Correct!

The correct answer is: willing

Related Words

inautoency

C1

Describing a state of being incapable of self-initiated action or lacking independent agency. It refers to systems, behaviors, or individuals that remain passive and require an external trigger or command to function.

ancarny

C1

Relating to deep, ancient instincts or primal physical sensations that evoke a sense of mystery or unsettling familiarity. It describes behaviors or feelings that seem to be inherited from prehistoric ancestors and manifest in modern contexts.

tripendward

C1

Describing a trajectory, movement, or orientation directed toward a three-fold suspension or a point supported by three distinct anchors. It characterizes an object or path that leans toward a junction where three entities or supports meet.

synacrness

C1

Describing a quality of simultaneous acute precision and synchronized coordination. It refers to the state where multiple sharp or intense elements occur at once with perfect alignment.

unmalance

C1

A state of persistent or structural lack of equilibrium, specifically when this lack of balance leads to a detrimental or inefficient outcome. It is often used in technical or test-specific environments to describe systems where the distribution of elements is intentionally or erroneously skewed.

comtermness

C1

To engage in the process of establishing common terminology or shared linguistic understanding within a specific group. It involves negotiating and refining definitions to ensure all parties are aligned on technical concepts.

semifinism

C1

Relating to a state of partial completion or an intermediate stage in a process where a final goal is reached in function but not in form. It describes something that is operational yet lacks the definitive polish or finality of a completed work.

revaltion

C1

A revelation is the act of revealing or disclosing a surprising and previously unknown fact, especially one that is made in a dramatic way. It can also refer to a divine or supernatural disclosure of information to humanity.

bifugcy

C1

To divide or branch into two distinct, often divergent paths or outcomes, typically used in contexts involving complex decision-making or evolutionary processes. It implies a definitive split where the resulting entities develop independently and no longer overlap.

intravictship

C1

Describing the internal relations, dynamics, or psychological states that exist within a group sharing a common victory or high-status achievement. It refers specifically to the nuances of interaction between members who are part of the same successful collective.

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