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Definition of loath

loath

/loʊθ/
loath
Adverb:loathly
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loath Lexical Profile

loath Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Reluctant or unwilling to do something contrary to one's habits, preferences, or principles (used predicatively and usually followed by an infinitive).

Example

"She was loath to admit that her initial calculation had been incorrect."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for loath
Antonyms
View all antonyms for loath

Word Nuance & Usage

"Loath" is a predicate adjective meaning reluctant or unwilling (typically followed by an infinitive, as in "loath to admit"), and should not be confused with the verb "loathe" (ending in 'e' and pronounced with a voiced 'th'), which means to detest or feel intense disgust toward.

• Rhymes for loath

• Nearby Words

loaner
loansharking
loanword
loath
loathe
loather
loathing

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English lāþ, meaning "hateful, repulsive, or hostile," derived from Proto-Germanic *laithaz.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Loath. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/loath
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