loath

loath

adj \ˈlōth, ˈlōth\\ˈlōth, ˈlōth\

Definition of LOATH

: unwilling to do something contrary to one's ways of thinking : reluctant

— loath·ness noun

Variants of LOATH

loath also loth \ˈlōth, ˈlōth\ or loathe \ˈlōth, ˈlōth\

Examples of LOATH

1. She was loath to admit her mistakes.
2. <I was loath to accept his claim of having climbed Mount Everest.>

Origin of LOATH

Middle English loth loathsome, from Old English lāth; akin to Old High German leid loathsome, Old Irish lius loathing

First Known Use: 12th century

Related to LOATH

Synonyms: cagey (also cagy), disinclined, dubious, indisposed, hesitant (also loth or loathe), reluctant, reticent

Antonyms: disposed, inclined

Related Words: uneager, unenthusiastic; averse, unwilling; ambivalent, conflicted, doubtful, faltering, halting, indecisive, infirm, irresolute, questioning, skeptical, uncertain, undecided, unsure, vacillating, wobbly (also wabbly); fainthearted, shy, timid

Near Antonyms: eager, enthusiastic, glad, happy, keen; ready, willing; certain, decided, determined, resolute, sure, unquestioning

[+]more[-]hide

See Synonym Discussion at disinclined

Rhymes with LOATH

both, growth, oath, quoth, troth