reluctant

[ ri-luhk-tuhnt ]

adjective

1. unwilling; disinclined:

   a reluctant candidate.

   Antonyms: willing

2. struggling in opposition.

reluctant

/ rɪˈlʌktənt /

adjective

1. not eager; unwilling; disinclined
2. archaic.
   offering resistance or opposition

Derived Forms

• reˈluctantly, adverb

Other Words From

• re·luc·tant·ly adverb
• half-re·luc·tant adjective
• un·re·luc·tant adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reluctant¹

First recorded in 1655–65; from Latin reluctant- (stem of reluctāns ), present participle of reluctārī; reluct, -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of reluctant¹

C17: from Latin reluctārī to resist; see reluct

Synonym Study

Reluctant, loath, averse describe disinclination toward something. Reluctant implies some sort of mental struggle, as between disinclination and sense of duty: reluctant to expel students. Loath describes extreme disinclination: loath to part from a friend. Averse, used with to and a noun or a gerund, describes a long-held dislike or unwillingness, though not a particularly strong feeling: averse to an idea; averse to getting up early.

Example Sentences

However, one legal expert previously told the Times courts generally are reluctant to remove measures before an election and that there was a “good chance” a judge would find the measure unconstitutional if it passed.

From Los Angeles Times

Newman argues journals are reluctant to publish the paper because established researchers in the field are acting as gatekeepers.

From Science Magazine

It is thought unlikely he would want to risk arrest by doing this again and the countries in question would also be reluctant to find themselves put in that position.

From BBC

Usually reluctant to discuss tactics, now he opens up.

From BBC

Experts said he will be reluctant to enter an all-out conflagration in the region.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• afraid
• averse
• cautious
• circumspect
• hesitant
• loath
• shy
• slow
• squeamish
• uncertain
• wary