Synonyms for

Reluctant

Verb / rɪˈlʌktʌnt / / ri:ˈlʌktʌnt / Another word for reluctant — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

feeling or showing hesitation or unwillingness

Synonyms & similar words

loth loath hesitant unwilling averse disinclined resistant unenthusiastic loath disinclined unwilling averse disinclined resistant unenthusiastic loath disinclined unwilling averse disinclined resistant unenthusiastic

Synonyms by register

Formal

hesitant unwilling disinclined loath

Informal

draggy not keen holding back

Literary

shy wary

Antonyms

willing eager ready keen enthusiastic compliant amenable

Common collocations

  • reluctant to admit
  • reluctant to agree
  • reluctant to help
  • reluctant to leave
  • reluctant participant
  • reluctant acceptance

Word family

noun reluctance
adjective reluctant
adverb reluctantly

Usage note

Often followed by 'to' + infinitive verb. 'Reluctant' implies a lack of willingness or enthusiasm, often due to doubt or apprehension.

Example sentences

  1. The reluctant student didn't want to participate in class.
  2. She was reluctant to try the new food because she wasn't sure if she would like it.
  3. He was reluctant to ask for help because he didn't want to seem weak.
  4. The dog was reluctant to go outside in the rain.
  5. The team was reluctant to play in the cold weather.

Quotes

  • It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. -Confucius
  • Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts. -Winston Churchill
  • Believe you can and you're halfway there. -Theodore Roosevelt

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