willpower

noun

will·​pow·​er ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce willpower (audio)
: the ability to control one's own actions, emotions, or urges
Alcoholics can't stop drinking through willpower alone: they need to alter behavior … that triggers the impulse to drink.James Atlas
I'm not talking about facing up to hard work or discipline, as if the problem were faulty willpower or a poor character.Patricia Hampl
also : strong determination that allows one to do something difficult
He [Nicolas Sarkozy] … brokered a huge trade deal with China and generally signaled that he could redefine his country through sheer willpower alone. Bruce Crumley

Examples of willpower in a Sentence

The dessert buffet tested my willpower. He conquered his drinking problem through sheer willpower.
Recent Examples on the Web Unfortunately, this classification still gets pushback and flack from those who believe people in larger bodies simply lack willpower and self-control. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 Mar. 2024 The world has become more dangerous, with Russia invading Ukraine, Iranian proxies wreaking havoc in the Middle East, and China and North Korea testing American willpower. Matthew Continetti, National Review, 16 Mar. 2024 So many still view obesity as a character flaw, or the result of someone not having enough willpower or being lazy. Christopher Thompson, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 An even larger percentage, 65%, acknowledged that willpower is not enough to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. TIME, 26 Feb. 2024 Few local politicians have had the willpower to stand up to the developers who want to trod over the protections in our local communities. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2024 As more companies join the movement to eliminate degree requirements for various positions, self-motivation and the willpower to learn independently will be more critical. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024 Food noise is often ignored as a contributing factor to obesity –seen instead as a lack of willpower –and can be a significant roadblock to weight health. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 22 Jan. 2024 Here, the vines tell a story of tradition and innovation, a story crafted by willpower, friendship, and the pursuit of perfection. Branded Content Contributor, Orange County Register, 8 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'willpower.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of willpower was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near willpower

Cite this Entry

“Willpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/willpower. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

willpower

noun
will·​pow·​er ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce willpower (audio)
: strong determination
the temptation tested her willpower

More from Merriam-Webster on willpower

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!