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Meaning of reluctant
The primary meaning of "reluctant" is feeling or showing unwillingness or hesitation to do something.
Etymology of reluctant
The word "reluctant" comes from the Latin "reluctari", which means "to struggle against", and is a combination of "re-" (meaning "against") and "luctari" (meaning "to struggle")
The word has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe someone who is unwilling or hesitant to do something
Synonyms
unwilling
hesitant
disinclined
averse
loath
unwillingness
hesitant
unenthusiastic
halfhearted
lukewarm
indifferent
apathetic
uncooperative
resistant
opposed
antagonistic
negative
unresponsive
unreceptive
unsympathetic
uninterested
unmotivated
unkeen
reluctant
reticent
diffident
shy
backward
demure
coy
modest
bashful
timid
fearful
apprehensive
dubious
skeptical
uncertain
unsure
indecisive
irresolute
vacillating
wavering
hesitant
indecisive
irresolute
faltering
stumbling
stuttering
stammering
hesitant
slow
sluggish
dilatory
laggard
tardy
delayed
behindhand
remiss
neglectful
lax
slack
idle
indolent
slothful
lazy
lethargic
torpid
dormant
inactive
inert
passive
unresponsive
unreactive
impassive
unconcerned
detached
uninvolved
disengaged
disconnected
separated
isolated
aloof
distant
reserved
withdrawn
introverted
unsociable
antisocial
asocial
solitary
lone
lonely
friendless
companionless
forsaken
abandoned
deserted
rejected
spurned
jilted
forlorn
despondent
disheartened
dejected
depressed
melancholy
gloomy
dismal
somber
mournful
sorrowful
sad
unhappy
miserable
wretched
woeful
afflicted
troubled
distressed
worried
anxious
concerned
fearful
apprehensive
nervous
tense
uptight
on edge
high-strung
jumpy
jittery
fidgety
restless
uneasy
ill at ease
uncomfortable
self-conscious
abashed
embarrassed
humiliated
mortified
ashamed
guilty
conscience-stricken
remorseful
regretful
repentant
contrite
penitent
apologetic
conciliatory
placatory
propitiatory
expiatory
atoning
redemptive
saving
deliverance
salvation
rescue
liberation
emancipation
freedom
release
deliverance
Definitions
- Feeling or showing unwillingness or hesitation to do something
- Unwilling to do something, or not wanting to do it
- Having or showing a feeling of not wanting to do something, or of being unwilling to accept or agree with something
Usage Examples
- She was reluctant to leave her family and move to a new city
- He was reluctant to spend money on a new car, but eventually decided it was necessary
- The company was reluctant to lay off employees, but it was necessary due to financial difficulties
- The student was reluctant to ask for help, but eventually realized it was the best option
Antonyms
willing
eager
enthusiastic
keen
motivated
interested
excited
thrilled
delighted
pleased
happy
cheerful
optimistic
positive
confident
bold
fearless
courageous
daring
adventurous
willing
compliant
accommodating
cooperative
supportive
helpful
obliging
agreeable
amenable
receptive
responsive
sympathetic
empathetic
concerned
solicitous
considerate
thoughtful
kind
generous
munificent
liberal
magnanimous
unselfish
altruistic
selfless
devoted
dedicated
committed
passionate
fervent
ardent
zealous
fanatical
obsessive
compulsive
driven
impelled
urged
prompted
spurred
goaded
prodded
encouraged
inspired
motivated
stimulated
activated
energized
invigorated
revitalized
renewed
restored
refreshed
rejuvenated