Is reluctant formal or informal?

It is neutral and common in both spoken and written English.

What is the difference between reluctant and hesitant?

Reluctant means you do not want to do something. Hesitant means you are unsure or slow to act.

Can I say reluctant to do something?

Yes. This is the most common pattern: reluctant to leave, reluctant to agree.

Is reluctant used in business writing?

Yes. It is common when describing disagreement, delay, or weak support.

← Dictionary

reluctant

/rɪˈlʌk.tənt/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Unwilling to do something, or slow to agree to it. A reluctant person may do it, but not gladly.

She was reluctant to move abroad.
He gave a reluctant yes.
I felt reluctant to ask for help.

Adinary Nuance

Reluctant is stronger and more specific than unwilling. It often suggests hesitation, not complete refusal. Use hesitant when the person is unsure, and reluctant when they do not want to act, but may still do it.

In other languages

Vietnamese: miễn cưỡng
Spanish: reacio
Chinese: 不情愿的
Japanese: 気が進まない
Korean: 마지못한

Etymology

Reluctant comes from Latin reluctari, meaning “to struggle against.” It entered English in the 1600s and kept the sense of resistance.

Common phrases

reluctant to saya reluctant smilereluctant agreementreluctant participant

Synonyms

unwilling hesitant resistant

Related words

resistance doubtful uneasy

Frequently asked questions

Is reluctant formal or informal?: It is neutral and common in both spoken and written English.
What is the difference between reluctant and hesitant?: Reluctant means you do not want to do something. Hesitant means you are unsure or slow to act.
Can I say reluctant to do something?: Yes. This is the most common pattern: reluctant to leave, reluctant to agree.
Is reluctant used in business writing?: Yes. It is common when describing disagreement, delay, or weak support.