reluctant
word
/ɹiˈɫəktənt/
ri-LUHK-tuhnt
/ɹɪlˈʌktənt/
ri-LUHK-tuhnt
Definition
Unwilling to do something; hesitant or showing doubt about taking an action.
Usage & Nuances
Followed by "to + verb" ("reluctant to speak"). Implies inner conflict — the person may eventually do it, unlike "refuse" which is definitive. "Reluctance" is the noun form. Commonly used in formal and professional contexts.
Spanish: reacio - renuentePortuguese (BR): relutantePortuguese (PT): relutanteChinese (Simplified): 不情愿的Chinese (Traditional): 不情願的Hindi: अनिच्छुकArabic: متردد - مُحجِمBengali: অনিচ্ছুক - দ্বিধাগ্রস্তRussian: неохотный - вынужденныйJapanese: 気が進まない - 渋々（しぶしぶ）のVietnamese: miễn cưỡng - lưỡng lựKorean: 마지못한 - 꺼리는Turkish: isteksiz - gönülsüzUrdu: مضطرب - ہچکچاہٹ کا شکارIndonesian: enggan - ragu-ragu
Example Sentences
He was a reluctant hero — he never wanted the spotlight but stepped up when it mattered.
natural
She was reluctant to share her personal information.
basic
He gave a reluctant smile.
basic
The children were reluctant to go to bed early.
basic
Banks are reluctant to lend money during economic uncertainty.
natural
After much reluctance, she finally agreed to take on the leadership role.
natural