adjective

reluctant

rih-LUK-tunt/rɪˈlʌktənt/

Unwilling or hesitant to do something.

The worker is reluctant to accept another stack of folders.

An adult reluctantly accepts an unwanted extra stack of work folders from another person, hesitant posture and restrained expression; no coercive threat or text.

Etymology

reLatinagainst

+luctLatinto struggle, wrestle

+antLatinpresent-participle ending

“Against” plus “wrestle” gives the image of someone struggling against a duty or command. Reluctant expresses that resistance as unwillingness or hesitation, without necessarily implying an active struggle.

In context

Jonthepotter7:34

and so I slow down my ideas now way more reluctant to say oh that's a brilliant idea let's do something

Paul Blais - An interview with the host of the Potter's Cast at NCECA!

More examples

Even after checking the ropes, I was reluctant to climb.
They gave their reluctant agreement to the new schedule.
He was reluctant to ask for help with his homework.

Forms

reluctant · more reluctant · most reluctant

reluctance noun — unwillingness or hesitation about doing something

reluctantly adverb — with hesitation or a lack of willingness

Similar words

unwilling: Emphasizes not wanting to act, rather than feeling unsure.
hesitant: Emphasizes uncertainty or delay, not necessarily a lack of willingness.
averse: Suggests stronger opposition; often followed by 'to' and a noun.