Word
willpower
Phoneticswillpow·er
US/ˈwɪɫˌpaʊɝ/
UK/wˈɪlpaʊɐ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the ability to control your own thoughts and actions so you can achieve a goal. You use it when you resist doing something you want, like eating cake, or force yourself to do something hard.
n. the capacity to exert control over one's impulses and behavior in order to achieve long-term goals. Often associated with self-discipline and the resistance of short-term temptation.
Examples
“It takes a lot of willpower to quit smoking.”
“She relied on her willpower to finish the marathon even when her legs felt heavy and tired.”
“Psychologists often debate whether willpower is a finite resource that can be exhausted through use or a skill that can be strengthened over time through consistent practice.”
Examples
simple
“It takes a lot of willpower to quit smoking.”
contextual
“She relied on her willpower to finish the marathon even when her legs felt heavy and tired.”
complex
“Psychologists often debate whether willpower is a finite resource that can be exhausted through use or a skill that can be strengthened over time through consistent practice.”
Usage
Typically used as an uncountable noun; often follows verbs like 'exercise', 'strengthen', or 'test'.
Real-World Examples
“The advantage of a habit, says Gardner, is that it removes the need for ongoing willpower.” “She adds: “In this state, we tend to lose some of our ability to think clearly and exercise willpower.” “To overeat in such an environment may be less about lacking willpower than being set in your ways.” Etymology
From will + power.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/willpower