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loath

English → EnglishformalliteraryInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "loath": To be "loath" means to be reluctant or unwilling to do something. The mental image is of someone phy

What does "loath" mean?

To be "loath" means to be reluctant or unwilling to do something. The mental image is of someone physically pulling back or hesitating because they find a particular action distasteful, contrary to their desires, or morally disagreeable. It is an adjective, often used with the infinitive form of a verb (e.g., "loath to admit"). Note that it is distinct from the verb "loathe," which means to feel intense hatred. "Loath" is formal and carries a sense of strong hesitation rather than simple laziness.

"loath" in conversation

Discussing a difficult confession

Are you going to tell him the truth about what happened?

Are you going to tell him the truth about what happened?

I am loath to bring it up while he is already so stressed.

I am loath to bring it up while he is already so stressed.

Used here to express a strong internal hesitation due to concern for the listener's state of mind.

Office policy disagreement

We need to move the deadline up by two weeks.

We need to move the deadline up by two weeks.

I am loath to agree to that given our current workload.

I am loath to agree to that given our current workload.

Demonstrates the formal, professional tone used when expressing a clear disagreement or reluctance.

"loath" in a sentence

  1. He was loath to leave his comfortable home.

    He was loath to leave his comfortable home.

  2. The company is loath to change its long-standing policies.

    The company is loath to change its long-standing policies.

  3. She was loath to admit that her opponent had made a valid point.

    She was loath to admit that her opponent had made a valid point.

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