1. Referring to something that is taking place whether it is desired or wanted or not: Mark had a willy-nilly attitude regarding the new assignment.

The willy-nilly speech by the politician resulted in a loss of support by many voters.

2. A haphazard or disorganized description of a situation: The city officials passed another willy-nilly law that would increase local taxes.

The two students were told by the housing manager to clean up the willy-nilly condition of their dorm room of scattered books, unmade beds, piles of clothing, etc. or they would have to find another place to live.

1. Characteristic of something that takes place whether a person likes it or not: Citizens are being forced to accept willy-nilly increases in taxes by the lawmakers.
2. Referring to being done haphazardly, without planning or direction: Too many politicians are expanding their willy-nilly spending programs.

A willy-nilly unplanned decision was made to change the financial rules for paying bonuses.

3. Etymology: a modified form of an older phrase that is variously expressed as will I, nill I or will ye, nill ye. Will is used in its sense of "wanting to do something, to wish or to desire that something should happen"; while nill is an old and outdated term for "to want not to do something, to refuse or reject some course of action" or they are combined to mean, "I am willing, I am unwilling".

The most recent meaning is "starting a project without a reason or planning" or something that is done in a "disorganized way".

A Latin equivalent is nolens volens, “unwilling, willing”.