reluctant

adjective
UK: /rɪˈlʌktənt/
US: /rɪˈlʌktənt/

  1. Unwilling and slow to do something.

    1. Tom was reluctant to speak about the accident.
    2. She felt reluctant to leave her comfortable bed, even for such an important meeting.

  2. Hesitant or not wanting to do something.

    1. I am reluctant to get involved.
    2. Many companies are reluctant to embrace new technologies because of the initial costs.

  3. Showing doubt or unwillingness.

    1. The student gave a reluctant smile when asked to present.
    2. The government was a reluctant participant in the peace talks, but eventually agreed.

Synonyms

hesitant averse disinclined loath unwilling

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "reluctant" in English means: Unwilling and slow to do something., Hesitant or not wanting to do something., Showing doubt or unwillingness..

The phonetic transcription of "reluctant" is /rɪˈlʌktənt/ in British English and /rɪˈlʌktənt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "reluctant": hesitant, averse, disinclined, loath, unwilling.

Example usage of "reluctant": "Tom was reluctant to speak about the accident.". More examples on the page.