The word reluctant comes from the Latin reluctantem, which means "to struggle against." These days reluctant means “unwilling.” If you're reluctant to dance to a terrible song, you're unwilling to shake your booty, and you might even have to struggle against your friends who try to get you on the dance floor.

What does reluctant mean in simple terms?

: feeling or showing aversion, hesitation, or unwillingness reluctant to get involved also : having or assuming a specified role unwillingly a reluctant hero. Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More About reluctant.

Does reluctant mean unwilling?

unwilling; disinclined: a reluctant candidate. struggling in opposition.