Reluctant
/rɪˈlʌktənt/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Reluctant means you do not want to do something or you feel unsure about doing it. It shows hesitation or unwillingness, but sometimes you still do the action even if you feel this way. People can be reluctant because they feel afraid, worried, or just do not like the idea.
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See It in Action
Feeling unwilling or hesitant to do something
- •She was reluctant to speak in front of the large crowd.
- •He felt reluctant to accept the job because it meant moving far away.
- •They were reluctant to try the new food because it looked strange.
Done with hesitation or without full willingness
- •The reluctant apology showed he was still upset.
- •She gave a reluctant smile when praised for her work.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "reluctant" like "not want" but with a feeling of hesitation or doubt, not just simple refusal
- ✓Picture someone holding back, like a child who does not want to jump into cold water but eventually does
- ✓It's the feeling when you have to do homework but would rather play outside—your heart says no, but you try anyway
- ✓Sounds like "re-LUCK-tant" → imagine someone hoping for luck but still feeling unsure and slow to act
- ✓Think of a story where a hero is reluctant to start a dangerous journey but goes anyway because it is necessary
- ✓NOT like "refuse" (which means no completely), "reluctant" means you feel unsure but might still agree or try
- ✓NOT like "eager" (which means very willing and excited), reluctant is the opposite: slow and doubtful
- ✓NOT like "afraid" (which is fear), reluctant can include fear but also general hesitation or dislike
Try Other Words
- •Hesitant: unsure or slow to act (Use when focus is on uncertainty or delay before action)
- •Unwilling: not wanting to do something (Use when the feeling is stronger and more negative)
- •Disinclined: not interested or not wanting to do something (Use in more formal or polite contexts)
Unboxing
- •Prefix: "re-" (again, back) + root "luct" from Latin "luctari" meaning to struggle or fight + suffix "-ant" (adjective form)
- •Etymology: From Latin "reluctantem," meaning struggling against or resisting
- •Historical development: Originally meant to fight back or resist physically, now means mental hesitation or unwillingness
- •Modern usage: Used to describe feelings of hesitation, doubt, or unwillingness to do something
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when you were reluctant to try something new? What made you change your mind?
•How does being reluctant affect the way people make decisions or take risks?
Fill in the blanks
1.She was reluctant to ___ the invitation because she did not know many people there.
2.Feeling reluctant often means you have ___ about the action, not full refusal.
3.Unlike eager people, reluctant people take ___ time before agreeing to something.
4.He gave a reluctant ___ when asked to help, showing he was not happy but still agreed.
5.People are reluctant to ___ change when they feel unsure or scared.
6.When someone is reluctant, they might ___ or hesitate before acting.
7.The teacher noticed the student's reluctant ___ to answer the question in class.