extremely reluctant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extremely reluctant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong unwillingness or hesitation to do something. Example: "She was extremely reluctant to accept the job offer, fearing it would disrupt her current lifestyle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Extremely reluctant.

The New Yorker

"I'm extremely reluctant to be filmed.

The Guardian - Music

His return to Weimar in June 1788 was extremely reluctant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The mothers are extremely reluctant to accept welfare.

The New York Times

"In the army we're extremely reluctant to turn anyone away.

The Guardian

Throughout the 1990s the Americans and Europeans were extremely reluctant to get involved in the Balkans.

The Economist

He is extremely reluctant to admit a mistake, even a small one.

The New Yorker

They are extremely reluctant to place their faith in anybody else.

The Economist

Swiss legislators would be extremely reluctant to amend a law that protects account holders.

The New York Times

"Any administration is extremely reluctant to push out a longtime ally".

The New York Times

Physicians remain extremely reluctant to recommend long-term use of aspirin in a healthy population.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "extremely reluctant", ensure the context clearly explains the reason for the reluctance to enhance the reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "extremely reluctant" when a milder term like "hesitant" or "unwilling" would be more appropriate. Overusing intensifiers can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extremely reluctant" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of strong unwillingness or hesitation. It intensifies the adjective "reluctant", indicating a significant degree of resistance. As Ludwig AI shows, this is a common construction across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extremely reluctant" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjectival phrase that effectively conveys a strong sense of unwillingness or hesitation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across diverse sources, with a notable prevalence in news and media, indicating its widespread applicability. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, care should be taken not to overuse it when a milder term would suffice. Consider alternatives like "very hesitant" or "highly unwilling" to avoid weakening your writing through excessive emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly unwilling

Emphasizes unwillingness, maintaining a formal tone but using different wording.

deeply disinclined

Highlights a strong lack of inclination, offering a more emphatic alternative.

hesitant to

Focuses on the hesitation, providing a slightly weaker but similar meaning.

very hesitant

Focuses on hesitation, providing a slightly milder alternative.

loath to

Expresses strong disinclination, offering a more formal and literary alternative.

strongly opposed

Indicates active opposition, shifting the focus from reluctance to resistance.

resistant to

Indicates a resistance or unwillingness to accept something, emphasizing the act of resisting.

averse to

Expresses a feeling of dislike or opposition, providing a concise alternative.

unenthusiastic about

Indicates a lack of enthusiasm, softening the tone of strong reluctance.

disposed against

Suggests an inherent opposition or negative predisposition.

FAQs

What does "extremely reluctant" mean?

The phrase "extremely reluctant" signifies a strong unwillingness or hesitation to do something. It implies a significant level of resistance or disinclination.

How can I use "extremely reluctant" in a sentence?

You can use "extremely reluctant" to describe someone's feelings about a particular action or decision. For example: "She was "extremely reluctant" to share her personal information."

What are some alternatives to "extremely reluctant"?

Alternatives to "extremely reluctant" include "very hesitant", "highly unwilling", or "deeply disinclined". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "extremely reluctant" or "very reluctant"?

Both "extremely reluctant" and "very reluctant" are grammatically correct. "Extremely" emphasizes a stronger degree of reluctance than "very".