reluctant

[ri-luhk-tuhnt] / rɪˈlʌk tənt /

ADJECTIVE

unenthusiastic, unwilling

Synonyms

STRONGEST

afraid averse cautious circumspect hesitant loath shy slow squeamish uncertain wary

WEAK

backward calculating chary demurring diffident discouraged disheartened disinclined grudging hanging back hesitating indisposed involuntary laggard opposed queasy recalcitrant remiss slack tardy uneager

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bold careless certain definite heedless incautious indiscreet rash ready sure uncareful willing

WEAK

anxious eager enthusiastic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“For now, the data is still telling us that we should be very reluctant to assume a large decline in growth,” said James Egelhof, chief U.S. economist at BNP Paribas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Like the Fed, Wall Street has been reluctant to make any forecast changes based on the uncertainty of war and oil prices.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

The French side dropped their attackers deep, into these empty wide positions with Liverpool’s back three reluctant to follow them out into these areas.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Fierce negotiations are expected between the European Parliament and member states, especially over where to find extra money that governments are reluctant to chip in.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

“I was just thinking,” said Boaz, taking a small, reluctant sip.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

Vocabulary lists containing reluctant

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