reluctant

/rɪˈlʌktənt/ (bre, ipa) · /rɪˈlʌktənt/ (ame, ipa) · /ri-ˈlək-tənt/ (ame, mw)

reluctant — adjective

  • reluctantpositive
  • more reluctantcomparative
  • most reluctantsuperlative

1. Not wanting to do something, which shows in slow actions or hesitation.

1.形容詞B2
釋義

Not wanting to do something, which shows in slow actions or hesitation.

例句

After the crash, Eitan was reluctant to ride his bike to work.

reluctant + to-infinitive (pattern)

The puppy gave a reluctant bark when Folake shut the kitchen door.

reluctant before a noun = unwilling but doing it

同義詞
  • unwilling

    stronger and more definite than reluctant; suggests a clear refusal rather than hesitation

  • hesitant

    focuses on pausing or being unsure; a hesitant person may still be willing, just cautious

  • loath

    more formal and intense; suggests deep personal opposition to the action

  • disinclined

    polite and slightly formal; suggests a mild lack of desire rather than strong opposition

  • averse

    often used in 'not averse to' meaning mildly willing; otherwise suggests strong dislike of something

反義詞
  • eager

    enthusiastic and ready to act without hesitation

  • willing

    open and ready to do what is asked

  • keen

    enthusiastic, showing strong interest

文法句型

reluctant + to-infinitive

reluctant + noun (reluctant agreement / reluctant smile)

用法筆記

Typically followed by a to-infinitive (reluctant to do something) or placed before a noun such as agreement, smile, or apology to describe an action performed without eagerness. The resistance is internal, not forced by external obstacles.

常見錯誤

❌The door was reluctant to open.
✅The door was hard to open.
💡reluctant describes a person’s willingness, not an object’s mechanical behaviour.
❌She was reluctant to help because the task was illegal.
✅She was unwilling to help because the task was illegal.
💡'unwilling' is stronger and suits a firm moral refusal; 'reluctant' implies some hesitation or discomfort, not a clear refusal.