Synonyms of disinclined

disinclined

adjective

ˌdis-in-ˈklīnd 

as in reluctant

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

disinclined to pay his friends a visit without calling first

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of disinclined are averse, hesitant, loath, and reluctant. While all these words mean "lacking the will or desire to do something indicated," disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination.

disinclined to move again

disinclined for reading

When might averse be a better fit than disinclined?

The synonyms averse and disinclined are sometimes interchangeable, but averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance.

averse to hard work

not averse to an occasional drink

When is it sensible to use hesitant instead of disinclined?

Although the words hesitant and disinclined have much in common, hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty.

hesitant about asking for a date

When could loath be used to replace disinclined?

The words loath and disinclined are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, loath implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking.

seems loath to trust anyone

When can reluctant be used instead of disinclined?

While in some cases nearly identical to disinclined, reluctant implies a holding back through unwillingness.

a reluctant witness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of disinclined

Conversation at Mels Diner is desultory and disinclined to matters so impractical, uncomfortable. — David Searcy, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025

No wonder Giants manager Tony Vitello was disinclined to give a topical answer to a question about whether the Giants should move in the fences to accommodate hitters like Devers and Eldridge. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 27 May 2026

After weeks of seeming sidelined by his boss and the more interventionist members of the administration, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vance may appreciate a moment in the global limelight and will be disinclined to leave the talks empty-handed. — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026

Banks are generally reluctant to lend to customers with ITINs, and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are generally disinclined to insure mortgages for borrowers with an ITIN, according to the Associated Press. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 20 May 2026