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.

When it came to choosing Cambridge, Harrington said Burnham was "very reluctant, he didn't think he would be good enough and all this kind of thing".

From BBC • Jun. 28, 2026

However Flowers was already being investigated for an offence and was reluctant to engage with officers, so they deemed him not suitable.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026

Strategy has been reluctant to sell any Bitcoin, however, and any sizable sales could could put pressure on the cryptocurrency’s price.

From Barron's • Jun. 23, 2026

However, “there remain concerns that shipowners will be reluctant to send oil tankers back into the Persian Gulf while there is a risk that the deal falls over,” the analysts added.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2026

The president had been reluctant to push for voting rights legislation so soon after Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

From "Because They Marched" by Russell Freedman

Vocabulary lists containing reluctant

List 3

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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 4

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