grudging
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
- grudgingly adverb
Etymology
Origin of grudging
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English; see grudge, -ing 2
Explanation
If you do something in a grudging manner (or grudgingly), you do it with reluctance. Doing homework, paying taxes, and saying sorry are all commonly done in a grudging manner. "Grudging apology" and "grudging acceptance" are probably the two most common uses of this word, which perhaps says something about our lack of grace as a species. The word derives from the medieval French word groucher, meaning "to murmur or mumble." A related word is grudge, meaning a long-lasting sense of ill will dating to a previous incident.
Vocabulary lists containing grudging
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
My entry into the world of wearable fitness, as with much new technology, was grudging, fitful and ultimately all consuming.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026
I don’t know if the government’s grudging confession of error played a role in the full court’s decision.
From Slate • Oct. 31, 2025
However, overall global headcount has grown from 43,000 to 45,000 since 2023 and union sources say there is "grudging respect" for Mr Erginbilgic.
From BBC • Aug. 12, 2025
Soriano said Becerra Moran was among the park regulars who expressed a grudging acceptance of law enforcement.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2025
The She-Bear gave her grudging assent, deaf to the japery in his tone.
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
