Reluctant

/rəˈlʌktənt/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Unwilling and hesitant to do something.
She was reluctant to accept the job offer due to the long commute.
Showing doubt or unwillingness.
He gave a reluctant nod when asked to join the project.
Characterized by a lack of enthusiasm or eagerness.
The child was reluctant to leave the playground, not wanting to stop having fun.
Having reservations about a course of action.
The committee was reluctant to approve the new policy without further discussion.

Etymology

From Latin 'reluctans', present participle of 'reluctari', meaning 'to struggle against'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

reluctant participant:
Someone who joins an activity but is not enthusiastic about it.
reluctant hero:
A person who does something heroic but does not want to be in that position.
reluctant agreement:
An acceptance of a situation or proposal made without enthusiasm.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Not down for it
He's not down for it, he's feeling reluctant.
Dragging feet
She was dragging her feet about going to the meeting.