reluctant Hear it!

reluctant Definition

re·luc·tant (-tənt)

adjective

  1. opposed in mind (to do something); unwilling; disinclined
  2. marked by unwillingness a reluctant answer
  3. Rare struggling against; resisting; opposing

Etymology: L reluctans, prp. of reluctari, to resist < re-, against + luctari, to struggle: see lock

reluctant Related Forms

re·luc·tantly adverb

reluctant Synonyms

reluctant

modif.

reluctant implies an unwillingness to do something, as because of distaste or irresolution I was reluctant to join; disinclined suggests a lack of desire for something, as because it fails to suit one's taste or because one disapproves of it I feel disinclined to argue; hesitant implies a refraining from action, as because of fear, indecision, or doubts don't be hesitant about asking this favor; loath suggests strong disinclination or a decided unwillingness I am loath to depart; averse suggests a sustained, although not extreme, disinclination not averse to borrowing money

reluctant Usage Examples

Modifying Another Word

  • understandably: They were understandably reluctant to get in to the cab given its precarious position.
  • strangely: I shall try to summarize: The Evidence 1 ) The committee seemed strangely reluctant to hold the auction of fanzines.
  • initially: He says council officers were initially reluctant to back the scheme.

Infinitive complement

  • admit: Older people are sometimes reluctant to admit they can't manage.
  • interfere: The courts are reluctant to interfere with the honest exercise of directors ' discretion.
  • invest: For example, investment capitalists are reluctant to invest in a venture that has a slow turnover.
  • relinquish: If both parties are reluctant to relinquish involvement in the company, how can the business be divided between them fairly?
  • commit: Therefore, the clients are often reluctant to commit to the additional expense.
  • ensure: However, the insurance industry is very reluctant to ensure an unknown risk.

Modifies a noun

  • reader: For reluctant readers, words need to be changed.
  • hero: The story of a reluctant hero sent on a seemingly impossible quest.
  • farewell: We walked up to the Admiral Nelson under umbrellas for a late lunch and then all said a reluctant farewell.
  • warrior: They admit that their colonial history has made them much more reluctant warriors than the Americans.
  • learner: This type of online activity will always engage the more reluctant learners.

Used with adjective complement

  • seem: These days Wright seems reluctant to body Dennis Darts.
  • appear: The police, prosecution service, and the courts, appear reluctant to take any action against the violent or abusive mothers.
  • prove: Insurers have also proved reluctant to disclose the reasons why claims have been denied.
  • feel: Some felt reluctant to disclose concerns over family issues to their friends for fear of losing respect within the community.
  • remain: Many employers remain reluctant to give employees the above information.

Browse dictionary entries near reluctant

  1. reluctance
  2. reluct
  3. relucent
  4. relocate
  5. relleno
  6. relive
  7. relish
  8. reliquiae
  9. relique
  10. reliquary
  1. reluctantly
  2. reluctivity
  3. relume
  4. rely
  5. rely on or upon
  6. rem
  7. remade
  8. remain
  9. remainder
  10. remaindered