C1adjective 5K

Reluctant

🇬🇧 UK //rɪˈlʌk.tənt// 🇺🇸 US //rɪˈlʌk.tənt//

Meaning of Reluctant

Unwilling or hesitant to do something.

In simple words: Not wanting to do something.

Reluctant in a sentence

• She was **reluctant** to accept the job offer in a new city.
• He felt **reluctant** to share his personal stories with the group.
• Despite his **reluctant** demeanor, he eventually agreed to help.
• The proposal was met with **reluctant** approval from the committee.
• They made a **reluctant** decision to move forward without a full plan.

How to use Reluctant

Use 'reluctant' when describing someone who is hesitant or unwilling. It's more formal than 'unwilling' and should be avoided in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Sounds like 're-luck-tant' - imagine someone hesitating for good luck.

Related words

Collocations with Reluctant

• reluctant agreement
• reluctant participant
• reluctant acceptance

Synonyms for Reluctant

• hesitant
• unwilling
• disinclined
• averse
• grudging

Opposites of Reluctant

• eager
• willing
• enthusiastic

Common mistakes with Reluctant

• Confusing with 'eager', which means enthusiastic.
• Using 'reluctantly' as a noun instead of an adverb.
• Mixing up with 'hesitant', which is slightly different in meaning.

Frequently asked questions about Reluctant

What does Reluctant mean?

Not wanting to do something.

What is the definition of Reluctant?

Unwilling or hesitant to do something.

How do you use Reluctant in a sentence?

She was **reluctant** to accept the job offer in a new city.

Can you give another example of Reluctant?

He felt **reluctant** to share his personal stories with the group.

What are synonyms for Reluctant?

Common alternatives include hesitant, unwilling, disinclined, averse, grudging.

What is the opposite of Reluctant?

Opposite meanings include eager, willing, enthusiastic.

What words go with Reluctant?

It commonly pairs with reluctant agreement, reluctant participant, reluctant acceptance.

What are common mistakes when using Reluctant?

Confusing with 'eager', which means enthusiastic. Using 'reluctantly' as a noun instead of an adverb. Mixing up with 'hesitant', which is slightly different in meaning.

How do you pronounce Reluctant?

US: //rɪˈlʌk.tənt//, UK: //rɪˈlʌk.tənt//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Reluctant?

Use 'reluctant' when describing someone who is hesitant or unwilling. It's more formal than 'unwilling' and should be avoided in casual conversations.

What CEFR level is Reluctant?

"Reluctant" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.