Reluctant Meaning in English
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
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
He was a reluctant hero — he never wanted the spotlight but stepped up when it mattered.
natural
After much reluctance, she finally agreed to take on the leadership role.
natural