Voluntary vs. Willing — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 12, 2024
"Voluntary" actions are chosen freely without external compulsion, while "willing" implies a readiness to engage in something, often without prompt.
Difference Between Voluntary and Willing
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Voluntary" refers to actions undertaken by one's own choice or consent, free from any coercion or obligation. Whereas "willing" denotes a positive inclination or disposition towards doing something, often without needing persuasion.
In the context of participation, "voluntary" implies that the decision to participate is made without external pressure, emphasizing autonomy. On the other hand, "willing" suggests that the person is not only ready but also eager to participate, which can include a response to external factors.
"Voluntary" often relates to formal or organized activities, like volunteer work, where the act is primarily motivated by altruism. Conversely, "willing" can refer to informal situations where the motivation might include personal benefit or interest.
When considering legal or contractual scenarios, "voluntary" actions are those without legal compulsion, highlighting the absence of enforceable obligations. In contrast, someone who is "willing" might still agree to legal or formal commitments, driven by their agreeable nature.
The term "voluntary" is typically used in a more specific, often organizational context, such as voluntary associations or services. While "willing" is more broadly applicable across various informal and personal decision-making scenarios.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Done by one's own choice, free from coercion
Ready and inclined towards doing something
Context of use
Often used in formal, organizational contexts
Broadly used in both formal and informal contexts
Implication of eagerness
Does not imply eagerness
Implies eagerness or readiness
Relation to coercion
Specifically excludes coercion or obligation
Does not necessarily exclude external influences
Typical scenarios
Volunteer work, opting into activities
Agreeing to proposals, offers, or situations
Compare with Definitions
Voluntary
Done, given, or acting of one's own free will.
She offered a voluntary apology to her colleague.
Willing
Ready, eager, or prepared to do something.
He was willing to travel across the country for the job.
Voluntary
Arising from one's own inclination.
His confession was voluntary, made without any duress.
Willing
Agreeable to a proposition or an idea.
Are you willing to consider a different perspective?
Voluntary
Done or undertaken of one's own free will
A voluntary decision to leave the job.
Willing
Acting or done of one’s free will.
He was a willing participant in the discussions.
Voluntary
Acting or done willingly and without constraint or expectation of reward
A voluntary hostage.
Voluntary community work.
Willing
Inclined or favorably disposed in mind.
They were willing to negotiate the terms.
Voluntary
Normally controlled by or subject to individual volition
Voluntary muscle contractions.
Willing
Disposed or inclined; prepared
I am willing to overlook your mistakes.
Voluntary
Capable of making choices; having the faculty of will
"This law of happiness ... resides in the exercise of the active capacities of a voluntary agent" (John Dewey).
Willing
Acting or ready to act gladly; eagerly compliant
A willing worker.
Voluntary
Supported by contributions or charitable donations rather than by government appropriations
Voluntary hospitals.
Willing
Done, given, or accepted voluntarily or ungrudgingly.
Voluntary
Without legal obligation or consideration
A voluntary conveyance of property.
Willing
Ready to do something that is not (can't be expected as) a matter of course.
If my boyfriend isn't willing to change his drinking habits, I will split up with him.
Voluntary
Done intentionally but without premeditation or deliberation, as when under the influence of an intense emotional reaction
Voluntary manslaughter.
Willing
The execution of a will.
Voluntary
A short piece of music, often improvised on a solo instrument, played as an introduction to a larger work.
Willing
Present participle of will
Voluntary
A piece for solo organ, often improvised, played before, during, or after a religious service.
Willing
Free to do or to grant; having the mind inclined; not opposed in mind; not choosing to refuse; disposed; not averse; desirous; consenting; complying; ready.
Felix, willing to show the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
With wearied wings and willing feet.
[Fruit] shaken in August from the willing boughs.
Voluntary
A volunteer.
Willing
Received of choice, or without reluctance; submitted to voluntarily; chosen; desired.
[They] are held, with his melodious harmony,In willing chains and sweet captivity.
Voluntary
Done, given, or acting of one's own free will.
Willing
Spontaneous; self-moved.
No spouts of blood run willing from a tree.
Voluntary
Done by design or intention; intentional.
If a man accidentally kills another by lopping a tree, it is not voluntary manslaughter.
Willing
The act of making a choice;
Followed my father of my own volition
Voluntary
Working or done without payment.
Willing
Disposed or inclined toward;
A willing participant
Willing helpers
Voluntary
Endowed with the power of willing.
Willing
Not brought about by coercion or force;
The confession was uncoerced
Voluntary
Of or relating to voluntarism.
A voluntary church, in distinction from an established or state church
Willing
Disposed or willing to comply;
Someone amenable to persuasion
The spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak
Voluntary
(obsolete) Voluntarily.
Willing
Given or done readily.
She was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Voluntary
(music) A short piece of music, often having improvisation, played on a solo instrument.
Voluntary
A volunteer.
Voluntary
A supporter of voluntarism; a voluntarist.
Voluntary
Proceeding from the will; produced in or by an act of choice.
That sin or guilt pertains exclusively to voluntary action is the true principle of orthodoxy.
Voluntary
Unconstrained by the interference of another; unimpelled by the influence of another; not prompted or persuaded by another; done of his or its own accord; spontaneous; acting of one's self, or of itself; free.
Our voluntary service he requires.
She fell to lust a voluntary prey.
Voluntary
Done by design or intention; intentional; purposed; intended; not accidental; as, if a man kills another by lopping a tree, it is not voluntary manslaughter.
Voluntary
Of or pertaining to the will; subject to, or regulated by, the will; as, the voluntary motions of an animal, such as the movements of the leg or arm (in distinction from involuntary motions, such as the movements of the heart); the voluntary muscle fibers, which are the agents in voluntary motion.
Voluntary
Endowed with the power of willing; as, man is a voluntary agent.
God did not work as a necessary, but a voluntary, agent, intending beforehand, and decreeing with himself, that which did outwardly proceed from him.
Voluntary
Free; without compulsion; according to the will, consent, or agreement, of a party; without consideration; gratuitous; without valuable consideration.
Voluntary
Of or pertaining to voluntaryism; as, a voluntary church, in distinction from an established or state church.
Voluntary
One who engages in any affair of his own free will; a volunteer.
Voluntary
A piece played by a musician, often extemporarily, according to his fancy; specifically, an organ solo played before, during, or after divine service.
Voluntary
One who advocates voluntaryism.
Voluntary
(military) a person who freely enlists for service
Voluntary
Composition (often improvised) for a solo instrument (especially solo organ) and not a regular part of a service or performance
Voluntary
Of your own free will or design; not forced or compelled;
Man is a voluntary agent
Participation was voluntary
Voluntary manslaughter
Voluntary generosity in times of disaster
Voluntary social workers
A voluntary confession
Voluntary
Controlled by individual volition;
Voluntary motions
Voluntary muscles
Voluntary
Organized by or relying on volunteers.
The festival was a success thanks to voluntary helpers.
Voluntary
Optional or discretionary.
Participation in the survey is entirely voluntary.
Common Curiosities
Can someone be willing but not voluntary?
Yes, if they are inclined to do something but feel pressured or obligated, they might be willing but not strictly voluntary.
Is voluntary work always unpaid?
Typically, voluntary work implies unpaid service, though reimbursements for expenses are possible.
What differentiates a voluntary decision from a willing agreement?
A voluntary decision is primarily driven by an individual's own choice without external pressures, focusing on self-motivation, whereas a willing agreement indicates readiness to accept or go along with something, possibly influenced by external conditions or benefits.
What is the main difference between voluntary and willing?
Voluntary actions are chosen freely without coercion, focusing on autonomy; willing indicates readiness and often eagerness, possibly influenced by external factors.
How does willingness affect agreements?
Willingness can lead to more amicable and smooth negotiations, as parties are more open to compromise.
Does willingness imply enjoyment or just agreement?
Willingness implies agreement and a positive disposition towards an action or decision, but it doesn't necessarily mean enjoyment, which is a deeper, emotional response.
Can voluntary actions be influenced by external rewards?
While voluntary actions are done without coercion, external rewards like social recognition can still play a motivating role.
Is it possible to be unwilling yet voluntary?
Yes, one might choose to engage in an action voluntarily due to moral or ethical reasons, despite personal unwillingness or discomfort.
How do voluntary actions impact community services?
Voluntary actions, such as volunteering, significantly benefit community services by providing essential help and support without financial burden to the organizations.
Can willingness be conditional?
Yes, willingness can often be conditional, depending on the terms, benefits, or circumstances presented, reflecting a negotiation of desires or needs.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Link vs. Hyperlink
Next Comparison
Romance vs. LoveAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
