Synonyms of loath

loath

adjective

ˈlōth 

variants also loth or lothe

as in reluctant

slow to begin or proceed with a course of action because of doubts or uncertainty

I was loath to accept his claim of having climbed Mount Everest

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reluctant
• hesitant
• unwilling
• unsure
• reticent
• disinclined
• dubious
• skeptical
• cagey
• indisposed
• uncertain
• averse
• timid
• doubtful
• ambivalent
• unenthusiastic
• conflicted
• uneager
• questioning
• irresolute
• wobbly
• faltering
• infirm
• undecided
• indecisive
• halting
• shy
• vacillating
• fainthearted

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inclined
• eager
• glad
• happy
• willing
• keen
• ready
• enthusiastic
• disposed
• decided
• certain
• sure
• determined
• resolute
• unquestioning

Synonym Chooser

How is the word loath different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of loath are averse, disinclined, hesitant, and reluctant. While all these words mean "lacking the will or desire to do something indicated," loath implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking.

seems loath to trust anyone

Where would averse be a reasonable alternative to loath?

In some situations, the words averse and loath are roughly equivalent. However, averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance.

averse to hard work

not averse to an occasional drink

When could disinclined be used to replace loath?

The synonyms disinclined and loath are sometimes interchangeable, but disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination.

disinclined to move again

disinclined for reading

In what contexts can hesitant take the place of loath?

While in some cases nearly identical to loath, hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty.

hesitant about asking for a date

When is it sensible to use reluctant instead of loath?

While the synonyms reluctant and loath are close in meaning, reluctant implies a holding back through unwillingness.

a reluctant witness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of loath

Think about how loath Kamala Harris was to criticize Joe Biden during the 2024 election, and how that may have hurt her with swing voters—and then imagine how that might work with a president who is both more vengeful and more influential with his base. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026

But clients are often loath to take the steps necessary to establish intent not to return, Doyle said. — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2026

The attorneys, by contrast, were well educated and mostly white, and would almost certainly have been loath to climb into a car with Garrison and go looking for a truck to hit. — Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026

Top earner Antoine Griezmann’s summer move to MLS club Orlando City will open up some space on their wage bill, and Simeone would be loath to see both his best attacking players leave in the same window. — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026

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