# obliging

/əˈbɫaɪdʒɪŋ/ (US) · /əblˈaɪdʒɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/obliging
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

willing to help other people in a kind way. You use it for someone who happily does what you ask.

For teachers: willing to do favours for others; marked by a ready desire to help. Often used to describe people or their behaviour.

## Examples

- She is obliging and always helps her neighbours.
- The obliging receptionist prints our tickets and calls a taxi for us.
- Despite a demanding schedule, the obliging host spends an hour showing guests the garden and answering questions about local history.

## Synonyms

helpful, accommodating, cooperative, Kind

## Antonyms

unhelpful, uncooperative

## Usage notes

- The adjective typically describes people or their actions; often follows linking verbs such as 'be' or 'seem' or precedes nouns.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.