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Definition of reluctant

reluctant

/rɪˈlʌk.tənt/
re · luc · tant
Adverb:reluctantly
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reluctant Lexical Profile

reluctant Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Unwilling and hesitant; disinclined to do something, often due to caution, doubt, or lack of enthusiasm.

Example

"The witness was reluctant to testify in court without a formal guarantee of protection."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for reluctant
Antonyms
View all antonyms for reluctant

Word Nuance & Usage

'Reluctant' and 'reticent' are frequently confused; 'reluctant' means unwilling or hesitant to act in general, whereas 'reticent' specifically means reserved or unwilling to speak or reveal one's thoughts.

• Rhymes for reluctant

• Nearby Words

relock
relook
reluctance
reluctant
reluctantly
rely
remail

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-17th century from Latin 'reluctantem', the present participle of 'reluctari' ('to struggle against'), formed from 're-' ('against') and 'luctari' ('to wrestle or struggle').

Cite this Entry

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