Meaning
“Be reluctant to” means to be unwilling or hesitant to do something, often because of doubt, fear, or lack of desire. It expresses hesitation rather than complete refusal.
Grammar and Usage
- Structure: be reluctant to + verb (base form)
- Part of speech: verb phrase (with adjective reluctant)
- The subject shows hesitation or unwillingness.
- Commonly used in both formal and informal English.
Example structure:
- He is reluctant to join the meeting.
- They were reluctant to share their opinion.
Common Phrases
- be reluctant to accept
- be reluctant to admit
- be reluctant to agree
- be reluctant to change
- be reluctant to help
- be reluctant to speak
Collocations
- Reluctant + infinitive: reluctant to pay, reluctant to leave
- Be reluctant about (less common, used with nouns): reluctant about the decision
- Sound/feel reluctant: He sounded reluctant to continue.
Examples
- She was reluctant to speak in front of the large audience.
- Many people are reluctant to try new technology at first.
- He seemed reluctant to admit his mistake.
- They were reluctant to accept the offer because of the low salary.
- I’m reluctant to make a decision without more information.
- The child was reluctant to go to school on the first day.
- She felt reluctant to lend him money again.
- He is reluctant to change his habits.
- The company is reluctant to invest in risky projects.
- We were reluctant to leave the beautiful beach.
Synonyms or Related
- unwilling to
- hesitant to
- not eager to
- disinclined to
Antonym
- willing to
- eager to
- ready to
- keen to