278 Another Word for Reluctant? – Reluctant Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say reluctant differently? Here are other words for reluctant and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.


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unreactive impassive unconcerned detached uninvolved disengaged disconnected separated isolated aloof distant reserved withdrawn introverted unsociable antisocial asocial solitary lone lonely friendless companionless forsaken abandoned deserted rejected spurned jilted forlorn despondent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
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