loath to admit

USAGE SUMMARY

"loath to admit" is a correct phrase and is often used in written English.
It is used to indicate someone's reluctance to admit something. For example: "He was loath to admit that he had made a mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many Republicans have been loath to admit this.

The New York Times

When she's wrong, though, she's not loath to admit it.

The New York Times

Of course, many club owners are loath to admit they have any dress code at all.

The New York Times

Banks, however, are loath to admit wrongdoing in government settlements because they fear subsequent shareholder lawsuits.

The New York Times

I am loath to admit it, but we get this wrong all the time.

The New York Times

Brea is undergoing a serious crisis of faith that she is loath to admit.

The New York Times

Mr. Bass was born in Beverly Hills, Calif., a fact he was once loath to admit.

The New York Times

Champagne devotees are loath to admit that the United States can produce top-notch bubbly.

The Washington Post

I am loath to admit to the void that is my modern fiction reading.

The New York Times - Books

Woods might be loath to admit it, but second would not be terrible right now.

The New York Times - Sports

Most comedy writers are loath to admit that their work has any lasting value or influence.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "loath to admit" to express a nuanced reluctance, often implying a sense of embarrassment or regret about the admission. It's stronger than simply "reluctant" and adds emotional depth.

Common error

Avoid using "loath to admit" when describing a positive or desirable action. The phrase implies a negative connotation; it should be used when admitting something undesirable or embarrassing. Example: Instead of "He was loath to admit his success", try "He was reluctant to acknowledge his success."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loath to admit" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject, indicating their reluctance or unwillingness to acknowledge something. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its usage across various contexts, confirming its established role in expressing hesitant admissions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "loath to admit" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express reluctance or unwillingness to acknowledge something. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing a multitude of examples from reputable sources. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, formal business contexts, and science-related content. When choosing alternatives, consider nuances like the degree of reluctance and the specific context of the admission. Avoiding misuse is critical: "loath" conveys a negative connotation and is used if one feels intensely dislike or disgust.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reluctant to acknowledge

Focuses on the hesitation to acknowledge something, rather than admitting it directly.

hesitant to concede

Emphasizes the unwillingness to give in or agree to a point.

unwilling to confess

Highlights the resistance to admitting something, particularly something potentially negative.

disinclined to reveal

Suggests a lack of motivation or desire to make something known.

averse to acknowledging

Indicates a strong dislike or opposition to recognizing something.

resistant to accepting

Focuses on the opposition to accepting something as true or valid.

opposed to confessing

Highlights a direct opposition to confessing something, implying a stronger stance.

fighting to avoid admitting

Implies a struggle or effort to prevent admitting something.

avoiding the admission of

Focuses on evading the act of admitting something directly.

not inclined to disclose

Suggests a lack of willingness to make something known, often due to personal reasons.

FAQs

How can I use "loath to admit" in a sentence?

Use "loath to admit" to express reluctance or unwillingness to acknowledge something, often implying embarrassment or regret. For example, "I am "loath to admit" that I was wrong."

What are some alternatives to "loath to admit"?

Alternatives include "reluctant to acknowledge", "hesitant to concede", or "unwilling to confess". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "loath to admit" and "reluctant to admit"?

"Loath to admit" suggests a stronger feeling of aversion or unwillingness than "reluctant to admit". "Loath" implies a deeper sense of unease or distaste about making the admission.

Is it grammatically correct to say "loathe to admit"?

No, the correct form is "loath to admit". "Loath" is an adjective meaning reluctant, while "loathe" is a verb meaning to feel intense dislike or disgust.