grudging

adjective

grudg·​ing ˈgrə-jiŋ 

1

: unwilling, reluctant

a grudging supporter of the reform movement

a grudging admirer

2

: done, given, or allowed unwillingly, reluctantly, or sparingly

grudging compliance

grudgingly adverb

Did you know?

The English language has been carrying a grudge for a long time—since the 13th century to be exact, when it took the Anglo-French verb grucher/grucer and made it grucchen/grudgen. Both words meant “to grumble and complain” (and if their shared definition, combined with their spelling and pronunciation, reminds you of a certain furry green Muppet who lives in a trash can, you’re onto something: grouch is thought to be a grucchen descendant). Over time grucchen/grudgen became grudge, which picked up the additional, closely related meanings of “to be unwilling to give or allow” and “to allow with reluctance or resentment,” as when Virginia Woolf wrote “if you come to grudge even the sun for shining … fruit does not ripen.” Grudging, which developed from grudge, made its English debut in the 1530s, and has been used ever since to describe someone who is unwilling or reluctant (“a grudging supporter”) or something done or given reluctantly or sparingly (“grudging respect”).

Examples of grudging in a Sentence

Her theories have begun to win grudging acceptance in the scientific community.

He has earned the grudging admiration of his rivals.

Recent Examples on the Web

The White House is banking on the usual cooperation from the media — figuring that after a grudging day or two of covering Biden’s stonewalling, friendly outlets will move on to other things. —The Editors, National Review, 20 May 2024

The groups that have been fighting over the area for years mostly expressed grudging support for the plan when the Environment Committee approved it in March. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of grudge entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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