reluctant
adjective
re·luc·tant
ri-ˈlək-tənt 
Examples of reluctant in a Sentence
94% of the butterflies are females, and they jostle for the attention of the few males, who seem reluctant suitors.
—
Carl Zimmer, Science, 11 May 2001
When I missed five in a row and was reluctant to take the next shot or didn't really follow through, my teammates would yell, "Brick!"
—Bill Bradley, New York Times, 18 Dec. 1994
The man swore sullenly. He went over to a corner and slowly began to put on his coat. He took his hat and went out, with a dragging, reluctant step.
—Stephen Crane, Maggie: A Girl of the Streets, 1893
The woman seemed desirous, yet reluctant, to speak, and answered, in low, mysterious tone.
—Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom's Cabin, 1852
We were reluctant to get involved.
He might agree but seems reluctant to admit it.
Carl Zimmer, Science, 11 May 2001
When I missed five in a row and was reluctant to take the next shot or didn't really follow through, my teammates would yell, "Brick!"
—Bill Bradley, New York Times, 18 Dec. 1994
The man swore sullenly. He went over to a corner and slowly began to put on his coat. He took his hat and went out, with a dragging, reluctant step.
—Stephen Crane, Maggie: A Girl of the Streets, 1893
The woman seemed desirous, yet reluctant, to speak, and answered, in low, mysterious tone.
—Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom's Cabin, 1852
We were reluctant to get involved.
He might agree but seems reluctant to admit it.
Recent Examples on the Web
Man Utd fans explain their song of defiance United fans have turned to Bonnie Tyler in a season of heartache
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has been reluctant to discuss his own musical tastes publicly.
—The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Ja-young not only realizes what’s going on but accepts her grandson’s decision, becoming a reluctant ally in the charade.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025
The report also revealed that builders are also being forced to slash selling prices to entice reluctant buyers, as high mortgage rates and soaring prices force many aspiring homeowners to the sidelines of the market.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
The legal world has been on notice for a constitutional clash ever since Trump resumed office in January, meticulously analyzing a series of court rulings that challenge the White House and following the administration’s reluctant, often defiant, response.
—Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reluctant
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The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Ja-young not only realizes what’s going on but accepts her grandson’s decision, becoming a reluctant ally in the charade.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025
The report also revealed that builders are also being forced to slash selling prices to entice reluctant buyers, as high mortgage rates and soaring prices force many aspiring homeowners to the sidelines of the market.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
The legal world has been on notice for a constitutional clash ever since Trump resumed office in January, meticulously analyzing a series of court rulings that challenge the White House and following the administration’s reluctant, often defiant, response.
—Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reluctant
Cite this Entry
“Reluctant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reluctant. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reluctant
adjective
re·luc·tant
ri-ˈlək-tənt
: showing doubt or unwillingness
reluctant to answer
reluctantly
adverb
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