reluctant
Americanadjective
-
not eager; unwilling; disinclined
-
archaic offering resistance or opposition
Related Words
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.
Other Word Forms
- half-reluctant adjective
- reluctantly adverb
- unreluctant adjective
Etymology
Origin of reluctant
First recorded in 1655–65; from Latin reluctant- (stem of reluctāns ), present participle of reluctārī; reluct, -ant
Compare meaning
How does reluctant compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
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.
Research from the University of South Wales, Derby University and Manchester University showed modern brides are reluctant to buy pre-loved gowns because they're worried about stains, smells - and even "curses".
From BBC
But he added: "New cars may be a challenge as well" as there were concerns UK car manufacturers were reluctant to export electric cars for sale to the Channel Islands.
From BBC
While always reluctant to make sweeping changes, Borthwick has not ruled out wielding the axe.
From BBC
Even as services spending recovers, households appear reluctant to commit to major outlays on homes, high-end goods or large discretionary purchases.
From MarketWatch
Many home shoppers are also spooked about job security these days and reluctant to make a big purchase, real-estate agents say.
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.
