What this suffix does
-willed describes how strong someone's willpower is: strong-willed, weak-willed.
ESEN
Suffix · forms adjectives
-willed
Describes how strong someone's willpower is: strong-willed (determined) versus weak-willed (easily swayed).
In Spanish: de voluntad / de carácterIntermediate
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
How it is formed
Adjective + willed.
- strong + willedstrong-willed (determined)
- weak + willedweak-willed (easily swayed)
- iron + willediron-willed (unshakeably determined)
This is not a productive rule you can apply freely: it is a closed set of fixed expressions. Learn them one by one as set phrases.
How it is pronounced
-willed
Tap the button to hear how the ending sounds. Each word in the table has its own audio.
Examples
Base word
With -willed
In a phrase
- strongstrong-willedHer strong-willed daughter never backs down from a challenge.
- ironiron-willedThe iron-willed coach pushed the team through every setback.
- weakweak-willedHe's too weak-willed to say no to his friends.
- selfself-willedThe self-willed toddler insisted on picking his own clothes.
- illill-willedThe ill-willed comment was clearly meant to hurt her.
Common mistakes
strong-willed = stubborn and difficult
strong-willed is usually admiring — it implies admirable determination
"Strong-willed" and "stubborn" are related but not synonyms. "Stubborn" focuses on the refusal to change, usually seen as a flaw. "Strong-willed" focuses on the force and stability of the will, usually seen as a virtue — admirable persistence, resistance to pressure, the capacity to hold a course despite difficulty. Context can tip it either way, but the default charge is positive.
weak-willed = weak in general
weak-willed specifically means lacking willpower or self-discipline, not general weakness
"Weak-willed" is specifically about willpower and the capacity for self-discipline and resistance to temptation. Someone can be physically powerful, intellectually brilliant, and emotionally resilient while being weak-willed in specific areas (around food, spending, commitments). The weakness is targeted, not general.
A trick to remember it
strong-willed = "having strong willpower", from "will" (the same word as in "free will"). The compound literally describes how much willpower someone has.
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Form the word
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
"weak-willed" describes someone who is...
Frequently asked questions
What does the suffix -willed mean in English?
The suffix -willed describes how strong someone's willpower is: strong-willed (determined) versus weak-willed (easily swayed). In Spanish it usually maps to de voluntad / de carácter.
Can you give an example of a word with -willed?
"strong" becomes "strong-willed". It is a typical example of the -willed suffix.
Other useful suffixes
-hearted
Describes someone's emotional character: warmhearted (kind, affectionate) and coldhearted (unfeeling, unkind).
-minded
Describes someone's way of thinking: open-minded (accepting of new ideas) versus narrow-minded (closed off, intolerant).
-spirited
Describes someone's energy or attitude: high-spirited (lively, energetic) and free-spirited (unconventional, independent).
Learn every English suffix
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