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Wordabulary

reluctant

Pronunciation
Adjective B2 Upper-intermediate

Quick answer

Not willing to do something, and hesitating before doing it.

"He was reluctant to speak up in front of the whole class."

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms

unwilling hesitant

Antonyms

Usage notes

"Reluctant" is usually followed by "to" plus a verb, as in "reluctant to leave".

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "He was _____ to speak up in front of the whole class."

Answer: reluctant

In your own words, what does "reluctant" mean?

Not willing to do something, and hesitating before doing it.

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