Word
reluctantly
Phoneticsre·luc·tant·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹɪˈɫəktəntɫi/
UK/ɹɪlˈʌktəntli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. doing something even though you do not really want to. You might do this because you have no other choice or because someone asked you to.
adv. in a manner characterized by hesitation or an unwillingness to act. Often implies a lack of enthusiasm or a response to external pressure.
Examples
“He reluctantly agreed to help his sister move.”
“After seeing the evidence, the manager reluctantly admitted that the mistake was his own.”
“The witness reluctantly took the stand, answering each question with a brevity that suggested a deep desire to be anywhere else.”
Examples
simple
“He reluctantly agreed to help his sister move.”
contextual
“After seeing the evidence, the manager reluctantly admitted that the mistake was his own.”
complex
“The witness reluctantly took the stand, answering each question with a brevity that suggested a deep desire to be anywhere else.”
Usage
Typically placed before the main verb or at the end of the clause to modify the action's intent.
Pitfall
He did it reluctant
He did it reluctantly
Learners often use the adjective form instead of the adverb to describe how an action is performed.
Real-World Examples
“But in January 2002, at his request, she reluctantly agreed to meet with him one last time.” “David Marsland reluctantly followed his father into the company.” Etymology
From reluctant + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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