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Many usage commentators point out that the spelling of loath, the adjective, is distinct from loathe, the verb that means "to dislike greatly." Merriam-Webster dictionaries do record loathe (along with loth) as a variant spelling for the adjective, but at the same time indicate that the loath spelling is the most common one. The adjective and the verb both hark back to Old English, and the "e" ending in each has come and gone over the centuries—but if you want to avoid the ire of those who like to keep the language tidy, stick with loath for the adjective and loathe for the verb.
Examples of loath in a Sentence
Michael Schneider, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
City leaders have been quick to note the progress but loath to claim victory, and the decreases in violence have not been evenly distributed in the Police Department’s 22 patrol districts.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025
But while some sheriffs may speak out about issues like mental health, many are loath to discuss conditions in their corrections facilities.
—Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Aug. 2025
That’s something the central bank will be loath to do if prices continue rising.
—Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for loath
Cite this Entry
“Loath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loath. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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