Reluctant: meaning, definitions and examples

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reluctant

[rɪˈlʌktənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling

Unwilling and hesitant; disinclined.

Synonyms

averse, disinclined, hesitant, resistant, unwilling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reluctant	Used when someone is not eager or is somewhat unwilling to do something, usually due to uncertainty or lack of enthusiasm. She was reluctant to leave her comfortable home He felt reluctant to speak in front of a large audience
hesitant	Used when someone is unsure or pauses before making a decision, often due to uncertainty or doubt. She was hesitant to apply for the job He seemed hesitant to ask for help
unwilling	Used when someone is firm in their refusal or has a strong lack of desire to do something. She was unwilling to compromise He remained unwilling to cooperate
averse	Used to describe a strong dislike or opposition to something. Usually paired with 'to' (averse to). He is averse to taking risks Many people are averse to change
resistant	Used when someone actively opposes or strives against something. Often used in a stronger sense than 'reluctant'. He is resistant to authority The community was resistant to the new policy changes
disinclined	Used when someone has a mild or moderate lack of willingness or enthusiasm for something. She is disinclined to join the gym He felt disinclined to participate in the debate

Examples of usage

He seemed reluctant to discuss the matter further.
She was reluctant to accept the offer.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

to do something

Not eager or willing to do something.

Synonyms

averse, disinclined, hesitant, resistant, unwilling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reluctant	Best used when someone is not eager or shows hesitation due to some reservations but may eventually participate if necessary. She was reluctant to leave her job, but knew it was the right decision
unwilling	Used when someone is firmly against doing something, showing a strong lack of willingness. She was unwilling to participate in the debate
hesitant	Used when someone is unsure or uncertain about doing something, often needing more time to decide. He was hesitant to ask for help, fearing he might sound inexperienced
averse	Applicable when someone has a strong dislike or opposition towards something, often used in formal contexts. He is averse to taking risks in his investments
disinclined	Used when someone slightly lacks interest or is not inclined towards doing something, typically in a mild sense. She felt disinclined to join the meeting after a long day at work
resistant	This word highlights opposition due to unwillingness to accept or comply, indicating a stronger stance against something. They were resistant to the new policy changes

Examples of usage

She was reluctant to admit her mistake.
He was reluctant to take on the new responsibility.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

to change or agree

Showing doubt or unwillingness, especially about something that may be disagreeable or cause problems.

Synonyms

averse, disinclined, hesitant, resistant, unwilling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reluctant	When someone is unwilling to do something but might do it with convincing or pressure. Often implies a mild resistance. She was reluctant to leave the party early He was reluctant to share his feelings
hesitant	When someone is unsure or uncertain about doing something, often because of doubt or fear. Indicates a pause or delay. She was hesitant to speak in front of the crowd He felt hesitant about making a big purchase
unwilling	When someone firmly does not want to do something. It implies strong refusal or persistence not to act. He was unwilling to apologize She seemed unwilling to help with the project
averse	When someone has a strong dislike or opposition to something. Typically formal and often used to describe a deep-seated feeling. She is averse to taking risks He was averse to waking up early in the morning
disinclined	When someone has a mild preference not to do something. It suggests a gentle unwillingness, without strong feelings. He's disinclined to accept the new job offer She was disinclined to participate in the discussion
resistant	When someone actively opposes or fights against something. Often indicates strong opposition. The community was resistant to the new development plans He was resistant to change

Examples of usage

He was reluctant to change his mind.
She was reluctant to agree to the terms.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin word 'reluctari,' which means 'to struggle against' or 'to resist.'
It entered the English language in the late 15th century, reflecting a sense of hesitance or unwillingness.

Psychology

People often feel reluctant when faced with a task that seems daunting or uncomfortable, due to fear of failure.
Reluctance can trigger a stress response, which may lead to procrastination as a coping mechanism.

Literature

Reluctance is a common theme in literature, often used to illustrate character development, where a reluctant hero must overcome their hesitations.
Famous works, such as 'The Hobbit,' feature characters who are reluctant to embark on adventures but grow and learn through their experiences.

Pop Culture

In many films, the reluctant hero trope is popular; characters resist their calling only to later embrace their destiny, such as in 'Spider-Man.'
Songs often capture feelings of reluctance, like when someone is afraid to fall in love, featuring lyrics that express hesitation and doubt.

Communication

When people are reluctant to express their opinions in discussions, it can lead to misunderstandings or conflicts.
Non-verbal cues, such as body language, can often signify a person's reluctance, even if they don’t voice their hesitations.

Translations

Translations of the word "reluctant" in other languages:

🇵🇹 relutante

🇮🇳 अनिच्छुक

🇩🇪 widerwillig

🇮🇩 enggan

🇺🇦 неохочий

🇵🇱 niechętny

🇯🇵 気が進まない

🇫🇷 réticent

🇪🇸 reacio

🇹🇷 isteksiz

🇰🇷 꺼리는

🇸🇦 ممانع

🇨🇿 neochotný

🇸🇰 neochotný

🇨🇳 不情愿的

🇸🇮 nerad

🇮🇸 ófús

🇰🇿 қалаусыз

🇬🇪 არამზადა

🇦🇿 istəksiz

🇲🇽 reacio

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,582 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6579 mediated
6580 dropping
6581 behave
6582 reluctant
6583 deterioration
6584 stack
6585 dragged
...