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reluctant

adjective
re·​luc·​tant | \ ri-ˈlÉ™k-tÉ™nt How to pronounce reluctant (audio) \

Definition of reluctant

: feeling or showing aversion, hesitation, or unwillingness reluctant to get involved also : having or assuming a specified role unwillingly a reluctant hero
Other Words from reluctant Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about reluctant

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Synonyms & Antonyms for reluctant

Synonyms

cagey (also cagy), disinclined, dubious, hesitant, indisposed, loath (also loth), reticent

Antonyms

disposed, inclined

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Choose the Right Synonym for reluctant

disinclined, hesitant, reluctant, loath, averse mean lacking the will or desire to do something indicated. disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination. disinclined to move again disinclined for reading hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty. hesitant about asking for a date reluctant implies a holding back through unwillingness. a reluctant witness loath implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking. seems loath to trust anyone averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance. averse to hard work not averse to an occasional drink

Examples of reluctant in a Sentence

94% of the butterflies are females, and they jostle for the attention of the few males, who seem reluctant suitors. — Carl Zimmer, Science, 11 May 2001 When I missed five in a row and was reluctant to take the next shot or didn't really follow through, my teammates would yell, "Brick!" — Bill Bradley, New York Times, 18 Dec. 1994 The man swore sullenly. He went over to a corner and slowly began to put on his coat. He took his hat and went out, with a dragging, reluctant step. — Stephen Crane, Maggie: A Girl of the Streets, 1893 The woman seemed desirous, yet reluctant, to speak, and answered, in low, mysterious tone. — Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom's Cabin, 1852 We were reluctant to get involved. He might agree but seems reluctant to admit it.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Here's the Washington Post story on how Joe Biden has conflated several stories on the campaign trail about a reluctant soldier rewarded for valor. — NBC News, "After a chaotic summer, 2020 fundamentals remain the same," 30 Aug. 2019 Philip, a true San Diegan and the most reluctant among L.A. Judases, is 37 now, and quite possibly coming off his best overall season — one that stumbled to an embarrassing end in the divisional playoff game in New England. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: Chargers’ window open in 2019 NFL season; will it shut again?," 30 Aug. 2019 In addition to acquiring supplies, dealing with school clothing drama, and meeting teachers, there’s the task of helping nervous or reluctant kids manage their feelings about a new school year and all the changes ahead. — Washington Post, "For queer families, back-to-school time is especially fraught," 29 Aug. 2019 Your colleagues, supervisor, or boss might have been wondering for some time what’s been going on, but felt reluctant or too uncomfortable to broach the subject. — Joel Lewin, Quartz at Work, "How to talk to your employer about your addiction," 28 Aug. 2019 Wayne County prosecutors handled the case and used investigative subpoenas to force reluctant witnesses to testify. — John Wisely, Detroit Free Press, "How a Flint court battle became Mateen Cleaves' most divisive victory," 21 Aug. 2019 Competing with her for the most quivering coif is Henry Czerny as Grace’s increasingly hysterical father-in-law, while Adam Brody sets the tone with his signature smirkiness as reluctant brother-in-law Daniel. — Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, "1-percenter slasher flick ‘Ready or Not’ too sardonic to be taken seriously as satire," 20 Aug. 2019 The trip to Meru was the decision that transformed Dabar, a devout Muslim and middle-aged mother of ten, from farmer to reluctant drug lord. — Jillian Keenan, Time, "'I Need the Money But I Feel Guilt.' How a Drought-Resistant Crop Turned Women in Kenya into Reluctant Drug Lords," 20 Aug. 2019 But cost concerns left aldermen reluctant to approve the project for most of those years until 2017, when the city renewed its effort. — Jim Riccioli, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Waukesha's new City Hall will cost $19.4 million to build based on low bid now in officials' hands," 20 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reluctant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of reluctant

1638, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for reluctant

Latin reluctant-, reluctans, present participle of reluctari to struggle against, from re- + luctari to struggle

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More Definitions for reluctant

reluctant

adjective
How to pronounce reluctant (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of reluctant

: feeling or showing doubt about doing something : not willing or eager to do something

See the full definition for reluctant in the English Language Learners Dictionary

reluctant

adjective
re·​luc·​tant | \ ri-ˈlÉ™k-tÉ™nt How to pronounce reluctant (audio) \

Kids Definition of reluctant

: showing doubt or unwillingness She was reluctant to go.

Other Words from reluctant

reluctantly adverb

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More from Merriam-Webster on reluctant

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for reluctant

Spanish Central: Translation of reluctant

Nglish: Translation of reluctant for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of reluctant for Arabic Speakers

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