HOW TO PRONOUNCE
reluctant
/ɹɪˈlʌktənt/
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American Pronunciation Guide · 0:55
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What does reluctant mean?
adjective
- Not wanting to take some action; unwilling to do something.
- Tending to match as little text as possible.
More meanings (1)
adjective
- (archaic) Contrary; defiant; refractory.
Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0
IPA pronunciation
/ɹɪˈlʌktənt/
CMU Pronouncing Dictionary ↗Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.
In the pages of books
See this word in context.
Lifting her reluctant eyes, there would be nothing human within the scope of view, save the form of this earthly saint!
But they had to testify now, and they did—and pitiful it was to see how reluctant they were, and how scared.
More book examples (3)
Pierre felt reluctant to enter into conversation with this old man, but, submitting to him involuntarily, came up and sat down beside him.
When sitting, they are reluctant to leave the nest and will squat there, vomiting evil-smelling, partly digested food and fluid at any intruder.
As we were reluctant to take back a man who had escaped from the Pasha's employment--excellent workman though he was--we declined to employ him.