loath
adjective
ˈlōt͟h 
Did you know?
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.
Did you know?
Loath vs. Loathe
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 record loathe (along with loth) as a variant spelling for the adjective, at the same time indicating that the spelling with an e is not as common as the form without it. Both words 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.
Synonyms
- cagey
- cagy
- disinclined
- dubious
- hesitant
- indisposed
- reluctant
- reticent
Example Sentences
Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2022 His efforts to restrict divorce were opposed by both progressive thinkers and those loath to lose the income the practice brought to South Dakota. Barbara Spindel, WSJ, 16 Aug. 2022 Gee is loath to turn down visible opportunities to represent women, such as attending student functions. Katie Johnston, BostonGlobe.com, 18 July 2022 Many scientists are loath to involve themselves in policy debates for fear of losing credibility. Naomi Oreskes, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2022 And in the context of a nursing shortage, hospital administrations are loath to assign experienced RNs to educational roles rather than care delivery roles—even if the former is the best long-term choice. Robert Pearl, Forbes, 15 Aug. 2022 Democrats are loath to give Mr. Trump’s tax and regulatory agenda any credit for these outcomes, but the economy performed in the main just as administration officials and supply-side economic modeling predicted. Jason L. Riley, WSJ, 2 Aug. 2022 And owner Arte Moreno is loath to part with such a superstar and marquee gate attraction. Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2022 And if snap elections are called before September, members of Parliament in their first terms — many of them first-time politicians loath to return to low-paying jobs — would also lose their right to lucrative pensions. New York Times, 18 Jan. 2022 See More Word History
Middle English loth loathsome, from Old English lāth; akin to Old High German leid loathsome, Old Irish lius loathing
12th century, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
loath
adjective
loath
adjective
Synonyms & Similar Words
- reluctant
- hesitant
- unwilling
- disinclined
- reticent
- cagey
- cagy
- averse
- indisposed
- dubious
- ambivalent
- unenthusiastic
- unsure
- conflicted
- uneager
- questioning
- uncertain
- skeptical
- timid
- halting
- faltering
- irresolute
- vacillating
- doubtful
- wobbly
- undecided
- indecisive
- infirm
- fainthearted
- wabbly
- shy
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- inclined
- eager
- willing
- glad
- happy
- keen
- ready
- disposed
- enthusiastic
- decided
- sure
- certain
- determined
- resolute
- unquestioning
Synonym Chooser
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.
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.
The synonyms disinclined and loath are sometimes interchangeable, but disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination.
While in some cases nearly identical to loath, hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty.
While the synonyms reluctant and loath are close in meaning, reluctant implies a holding back through unwillingness.