# reluctantly

/ɹɪˈɫəktəntɫi/ (US) · /ɹɪlˈʌktəntli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reluctantly
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He did it reluctant" but "He did it reluctantly" — Learners often use the adjective form instead of the adverb to describe how an action is performed.

## Usage notes

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

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.