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RELUCTANT
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| IPA (US): |  |
Dictionary entry overview: What does reluctant mean?
• RELUCTANT (adjective)
The adjective RELUCTANT has 3 senses:
1. unwillingness to do something contrary to your custom
2. disinclined to become involved
3. not eager
Familiarity information: RELUCTANT used as an adjective is uncommon.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
Unwillingness to do something contrary to your custom
Synonyms:
Context example:
loath to admit a mistake
Similar:
unwilling (not disposed or inclined toward)
Derivation:
reluctance (a certain degree of unwillingness)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Disinclined to become involved
Context example:
reluctant to help
Similar:
disinclined (unwilling because of mild dislike or disapproval)
Derivation:
reluctance (a certain degree of unwillingness)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Not eager
Context example:
fresh from college and reluctant for the moment to marry him
Similar:
uneager (lacking interest or spirit or animation)
Derivation:
reluctance (a certain degree of unwillingness)
Context examples
Whining spiritlessly, they were reluctant to work.
(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)
I never had a home, I never had brothers or sisters; I must and will have them now: you are not reluctant to admit me and own me, are you?
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
Not that I was afraid of it, however, or reluctant to meet it.
(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)
Well, said Crawford, after a course of rapid questions and reluctant answers; I am happier than I was, because I now understand more clearly your opinion of me.
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
Even if your own feelings were reluctant or indifferent, to consider what powerful supports would be his!
(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)
As he talked, with reluctant movements he drew his revolver, threw open the cylinder, and assured himself of its contents.
(White Fang, by Jack London)
I have lifted it for a moment, even in this narrative, with a reluctant hand, and dropped it gladly.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
She thought it in reality a sad exchange for herself, to have him with his grave looks and reluctant conversation opposed to her instead of his brother.
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
Elizabeth tried to join in her father's pleasantry, but could only force one most reluctant smile.
(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)
He sprang through a gate into a field, dragging the reluctant Pompey after him.
(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
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