Reluctant

Definition

Reluctant describes an unwillingness or hesitation to do something due to doubt or disinclination.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈlʌktənt/
• Respelling: ri-LUK-tuhnt (with "ri" as in "rid," "LUK" as in "luck," and "tuhnt" as in "hunt")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈlʌktənt/
• Respelling: ri-LUK-tuhnt (similar to American English, with "ri" as in "rid," "LUK" as in "luck," and "tuhnt" as in "hunt")

In both dialects, "reluctant" is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable, "LUK." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating each component of the word with emphasis on the "LUK" syllable.

Etymology

The term "reluctant" is derived from Latin "reluctari", which means "to struggle against, resist". It's formed by the combination of "re-" indicating opposition and "luctari" which means "to struggle".

Derivatives

• Reluctance
• Reluctantly
• Reluctancy
• Nonreluctant
• Overreluctant

Synonyms

• Hesitant
• Unwilling
• Averse

Antonyms

• Eager
• Willing
• Enthusiastic

Usage

"Reluctant" is often employed to describe a person's disposition when they are not eager or willing to engage in a particular activity, usually due to uncertainty, fear, or a lack of interest.

Related Terms

• Hesitation
• Disinclination
• Apprehension
• Reticence
• Reservativeness

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Showing or feeling hesitation or unwillingness.
• Example: She was reluctant to go to the party because she didn't know many people there.

• Not eager or willing to do something; disinclined.
• Example: He's reluctant to invest in the new venture due to its risks.