Definitions

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.

Hopes for a deal run high before fizzling, so markets have been reluctant to discount longer-lasting disruptions, Morgan Stanley analysts said.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

Clarke was reluctant to big things up in the aftermath but he was pleased, you could tell.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

Snow's wife, an epidemiologist, told the Mail he was initially reluctant to see a doctor, but he saw a specialist in 2023.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

Builders have to offer sweeteners like mortgage-rate buydowns to get reluctant buyers to commit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

For the most part, scholars in recent years have been reluctant to adopt the term ‘the Scientific Revolution’, and many have explicitly rejected it.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Vocabulary lists containing reluctant

List 3

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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 4

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