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

Pyongyang could also gain access to Russian military technology, which Moscow would otherwise have been reluctant to transfer, Mr Lankov adds.

From BBC

Some mortgage firms are reluctant to deal with homes with spray foam insulation due to concerns over poor fitting leaving moisture trapped and roof timbers at risk of decay.

From BBC

I am, therefore, reluctant to question this England side and the coaching staff because they are playing some really good stuff.

From BBC

Multiple sources have told the BBC the Department of Health is keen to proceed with an overhaul of the social care system but that the Treasury is reluctant to commit to significant costs without clear political backing from Number 10.

From BBC

However, Jake Paul may know something that we as a society are reluctant to admit: we thirst for a race conflict, even if the conflict comes in a boxing ring.

From Salon

Related Words

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