willy-nilly

adverb
UK: /ˌwɪliˈnɪli/
US: /ˌwɪliˈnɪli/

  1. In a random or unplanned way; whether desired or not.

    1. Things got added willy-nilly to the list.
    2. Decisions were made willy-nilly, without any real strategy in place.

  2. Without direction or planning; haphazardly.

    1. The papers were scattered willy-nilly on the floor.
    2. He just throws money around willy-nilly, it's a waste in my opinion.

Synonyms

helter-skelter
willy-nilly noun

  1. Something done randomly or without control.

    1. The project turned into a complete willy-nilly.
    2. His approach to the problem was just a willy-nilly, no plan whatsoever.
willy-nilly adjective

  1. Random or haphazard.

    1. They made willy-nilly choices about the decor.
    2. The willy-nilly arrangement of furniture made the room feel chaotic.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "willy-nilly" in English means: In a random or unplanned way; whether desired or not., Without direction or planning; haphazardly..

The phonetic transcription of "willy-nilly" is /ˌwɪliˈnɪli/ in British English and /ˌwɪliˈnɪli/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "willy-nilly": helter-skelter.

Example usage of "willy-nilly": "Things got added willy-nilly to the list.". More examples on the page.