reluctant

[rɪˈlʌktənt]

reluctant Definition

unwilling and hesitant; disinclined.

Using reluctant: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "reluctant" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He was reluctant to ask for help.

  • Example

    She was reluctant to leave her job.

  • Example

    The company was reluctant to invest in new technology.

  • Example

    The dog was reluctant to enter the water.

reluctant Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with reluctant

  • to be unwilling or hesitant to do something

    Example

    I'm reluctant to take on more work right now.

  • a person who is forced to become a hero, but does not want to be one

    Example

    He became a reluctant hero after saving the child from the burning building.

  • an agreement that is given unwillingly or hesitantly

    Example

    After much discussion, they came to a reluctant agreement to compromise.

Origins of reluctant

from Latin 're-' meaning 'back' + 'luctari' meaning 'to struggle'

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Summary: reluctant in Brief

The term 'reluctant' [rɪˈlʌktənt] describes a state of being unwilling or hesitant. It can be used to describe people, companies, or animals, as in 'The dog was reluctant to enter the water.' The phrase 'be reluctant to do something' is commonly used to express hesitation or unwillingness, while 'a reluctant hero' refers to someone who is forced into a heroic role. 'Reluctant agreement' describes an agreement given unwillingly or hesitantly.

How do native speakers use this expression?