grudging

[ gruhj-ing ]

adjective

1. displaying or reflecting reluctance or unwillingness:

   grudging acceptance of the victory of an opponent.

Other Words From

• grudg·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of grudging¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English; grudge, -ing ²

Example Sentences

His Daily News relentlessly covered the issues around the police beating of Rodney King and the Rampart police corruption scandal, winning sometimes grudging admiration from The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

But her exchanges with the leaders of Harvard and Penn attracted enormous attention and won some rare plaudits from grudging liberals.

From New York Times

The law — which many Republicans around the country reviled and attacked for years as a signature achievement of the Obama administration — has found grudging acceptance.

From New York Times

Litman said that Cannon's grudging concession shows that the prosecution had the better side of the argument.

From Salon

Tasked with training the younger girl in makeup, manners and grooming, Shinonome finds herself alternately frustrated and charmed by Ichi’s strong will, eventually developing a grudging respect for “the monkey child from the island.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• begrudging
• bitterness
• hatred
• ill will
• jealousy
• malice
• prejudice
• resentment
• rivalry