Word
willful
Phoneticswill·ful, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈwɪɫfəɫ/
UK/wˈɪlfəl/
Definition
adj. doing something on purpose, especially when it is wrong or against the rules. It also describes someone who is stubborn and refuses to change their mind.
adj. intentional and deliberate, often in the context of wrongdoing or disobedience; alternatively, describes a person who is headstrong and determined to have their own way.
Examples
“The driver was charged with willful damage to the property.”
“The committee found that the company showed a willful disregard for safety regulations despite multiple warnings.”
“The protagonist's willful refusal to acknowledge the changing political landscape eventually led to his downfall, as he preferred his own convictions over the reality of the situation.”
Examples
simple
“The driver was charged with willful damage to the property.”
contextual
“The committee found that the company showed a willful disregard for safety regulations despite multiple warnings.”
complex
“The protagonist's willful refusal to acknowledge the changing political landscape eventually led to his downfall, as he preferred his own convictions over the reality of the situation.”
Usage
Often used in legal contexts to distinguish intentional acts from accidents; frequently precedes nouns like 'disregard', 'neglect', or 'ignorance'.
Pitfall
a willful mistake
a careless mistake
Willful implies a deliberate choice to do something wrong; it should not be used for accidental errors.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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