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.

If you’re the reluctant friend, take this in.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

For investors reluctant to go all in now, there’s always dollar-cost averaging —buying a little now and adding additional stakes in the weeks ahead.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

In fact, shale producers have been reluctant to add new rigs because they aren’t confident the jump in prices will be sustained.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Thirteen years ago, Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made a reluctant decision to allow his negotiators to intensify nuclear talks with America to try to reach a deal.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

By this standard, Jefferson was a more reliable colleague than staunch Federalists who had been reluctant or merely peripheral participants in the climactic phase of the revolutionary drama.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Vocabulary lists containing reluctant

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