reluctantly
gb/ɹɪlˈʌktəntli/ us/ɹɪlˈʌktəntli/
B1
English
~ 7100
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
property
1
in an unwilling or hesitant way
Doing something when you do not want to do it, but you do it anyway.
Usage pattern:
to [verb] reluctantly / to do [something] reluctantly
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "reluctantly" to describe a general feeling, as in *"I am reluctantly"*. This is incorrect because "reluctantly" is an adverb and must describe an action, not stand alone. Correct forms include: "I am reluctant" (adjective) or "I reluctantly agreed" (adverb modifying the verb). Another mistake is putting it too far from the verb, which can sound unnatural. It is most natural before the main verb ("reluctantly agreed") or at the end of the clause ("agreed reluctantly").
Synonyms
unwillingly (Very close in meaning; slightly more formal and less emotional than "reluctantly".)
|
hesitantly (Focuses more on pausing or being unsure, while "reluctantly" highlights not wanting to do it.)
|
grudgingly (Suggests doing something with anger or resentment, often stronger in feeling than "reluctantly".)
Antonyms
willingly (Shows that someone wants to do something and chooses to do it happily.)
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eagerly (Suggests doing something with strong interest and excitement, the direct emotional opposite of reluctance.)
Collocations
reluctantly agree
|reluctantly accept
|reluctantly admit
|reluctantly follow
|reluctantly obey
|nod reluctantly
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She reluctantly agreed to work late after her boss explained the situation.
- He reluctantly admitted that he had forgotten to send the email.
- They reluctantly accepted the decision, even though they disagreed with it.
- I reluctantly followed my friends into the cold water.
- The child reluctantly handed the toy back to his sister.
Learner examples
- She reluctantly went to the party with her classmates.
- He reluctantly did his homework before playing games.
- They reluctantly left the beach when it started to rain.
- I reluctantly told my parents about my bad grade.
- The boy reluctantly shared his snacks with his brother.
Grammar
Dictionary form
reluctantly
IPA
GB/ɹɪlˈʌktəntli/
US/ɹɪlˈʌktəntli/
Syllables & stress
re - luct - antly (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (luct)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: reluctantly
- Plural: reluctantlies
Word family
Forms
reluctantlies
noun
Core family
reluctant
adjective B1
reluctance
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.