reluctant to do something

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   unwilling or hesitant to do something, often because you do not want to or feel unsure about it

   Grammar: Follows a linking verb like 'be', 'seem' or 'feel', then 'to' + base verb: 'She was reluctant to speak.'

   Patterns

   • be reluctant to do something
   • seem reluctant to do something
   • feel reluctant to do something

   He was reluctant to lend his car to anyone.

   The company seems reluctant to change its policy.

   I felt reluctant to ask for help at first.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   not eager to accept or agree to something, so you do it slowly or with doubt

   Grammar: Often used with 'be' and a person: 'They are reluctant to sign the contract.'

   Patterns

   • be reluctant to accept something
   • be reluctant to agree to something

   The manager was reluctant to accept the new rules.

   Many parents are reluctant to agree to the trip.

Common combinations

reluctant to admit

She was reluctant to admit that she had made a mistake.

reluctant to leave

The children were reluctant to leave the park.

reluctant to talk about

He seemed reluctant to talk about his past.

reluctant to spend money

The council is reluctant to spend money on repairs.

Synonyms and how they differ

unwilling

Stronger and more definite than 'reluctant'; it suggests you refuse or really do not want to do it.

hesitant

Focuses on pausing because you are unsure, while 'reluctant' focuses on not wanting to do it.

loath

More formal and literary; often used in 'loath to admit'.

Opposites

Word family

reluctance noun

The feeling of not wanting to do something.

reluctantly adverb

In a way that shows you do not really want to do something.

Commonly confused: reluctant to do something or reticent?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “reluctant to do something”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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