Definition

Describing something that is done without choice or consent, often imposed by external factors.

Example

The treatment was nonvoluntary, meaning the patients had no say in the decision.

Conversation

Did you hear about the new law regarding nonvoluntary work hours?

Yeah, it seems a bit unfair to make people work when they don’t want to.

I agree! It should be up to the individual, not a nonvoluntary requirement.

Exactly, everyone deserves the choice to work when they want.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nonvoluntary → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "voluntary" (from Latin "voluntarius", meaning willing or of one's own choice). The word "nonvoluntary" means not done by one's own choice or will.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('non-') doing something 'willingly' ('voluntary') — that's why nonvoluntary means something done without choice.

Visually Confused Words