ENGLISH
REFERENCE

reluctantly

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ɹɪˈɫəktəntɫi// UK //ɹɪlˈʌktəntli// re·luc·tant·ly

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.


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.

Origin

From reluctant + -ly.

Usage

Typically placed before the main verb or at the end of the clause to modify the action's intent.

Pitfall

He did it reluctantHe did it reluctantlyLearners often use the adjective form instead of the adverb to describe how an action is performed.

© 2026 English Reference