loathe to admit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loathe to admit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong reluctance or aversion to acknowledging something, often in a personal or emotional context. Example: "I loathe to admit that I was wrong about the outcome of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Policy makers are of course loathe to admit that.

The New York Times

Yet Haspel's defenders are loathe to admit that the practice she participated in was concerning, much less illegal.

The Guardian - Opinion

One cable describes Indian officials "loathe to admit publicly that India and the US have begun coordinating foreign policies".

The Guardian

It is something that has benefited the Californian firm, even if it would be loathe to admit it.

The Guardian - Tech

6Economists are loathe to admit that "they don't know". This trait is common in many professions, but I suspect the modeling issue may be partly to blame.

The Washington Post

And although he was loathe to admit it, he was also an excellent cook; he was equally reticent about his prowess as a pilot in the RAF.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

I'm loathed to admit this as a beauty journalist, but I'd always – carelessly- thought of my darker skin as impenetrable to the sun's power.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mexicans are loathe to take products from Brazil.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

A league already dominated by two teams would become dominated by one and, loathe though they are to admit it, that would not even suit the one.

The Guardian - Sport

Harvey knows what's he's doing – love him or loathe him, you have to admit awards are the big man's manor.

The Guardian - Film

Ann Coulter Who: Right-wing American commentator Why:Love her or loathe her, we have to admit that 46-year-old Ann Coulter's got balls.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "loathe to admit" when you want to convey a sense of reluctance or aversion to acknowledging something, often because it goes against your own beliefs or preferences. This phrase is particularly effective in adding a touch of personal emotion to your writing.

Common error

Ensure you're using "loathe" (verb) correctly, not confusing it with "loath" (adjective). Saying "I'm loath to admit" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "I loathe to admit" or "I'm loathful to admit".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loathe to admit" functions as an introductory expression used to signal reluctance or displeasure in acknowledging something. It often precedes a statement that the speaker or writer is hesitant to reveal or accept, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "loathe to admit" is a phrase used to express a strong reluctance or aversion to acknowledging something, often because it goes against one's own beliefs or preferences. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It's frequently found in news and media contexts, lending a touch of personal emotion to writing. While alternatives like "hate to acknowledge" or "dislike confessing" exist, "loathe to admit" carries a more formal and emotive tone. When using this phrase, ensure you're using "loathe" correctly and not confusing it with "loath". Overall, this phrase provides a nuanced way to express reluctance and add depth to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reluctant to acknowledge

Focuses on the hesitancy in acknowledging, shifting the emphasis from aversion to reluctance.

unwilling to concede

Highlights the resistance in conceding a point, changing the context to an argumentative one.

hesitant to confess

Emphasizes the delay or pause before confessing, suggesting a lighter reluctance.

averse to accepting

Stresses the strong dislike towards accepting something, implying a stronger negative feeling.

disinclined to acknowledge

Indicates a lack of inclination or motivation to acknowledge, softening the reluctance.

resistant to admitting

Highlights the opposition to admitting something, framing it as a struggle or resistance.

opposed to confessing

Signifies a direct opposition to confessing, making the reluctance more confrontational.

disposed against conceding

Indicates a predisposition against conceding, making the reluctance a matter of inherent nature.

not inclined to reveal

Focuses on the lack of inclination to reveal information, shifting the context to secrecy.

shrinking from admitting

Emphasizes the act of recoiling from the idea of admitting something, suggesting fear or discomfort.

FAQs

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

Use "loathe to admit" to express reluctance or distaste when acknowledging something. For example, "I "loathe to admit" that he was right all along" indicates an unwillingness to acknowledge someone else's correctness.

What are some alternatives to "loathe to admit"?

You can use alternatives like "hate to acknowledge", "dislike confessing", or "reluctant to concede" depending on the nuance you want to convey. Each alternative slightly shifts the emphasis on the reason for reluctance.

Is it more formal to say "loathe to admit" or "hate to admit"?

"Loathe to admit" is slightly more formal than "hate to admit". "Loathe" carries a stronger sense of aversion and is often used in more formal or literary contexts, while "hate" is more common in everyday conversation.

When is it appropriate to use "loathe to admit" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "loathe to admit" when you want to emphasize your personal reluctance or distaste in acknowledging a particular fact or situation, especially if it challenges your beliefs or preferences. It adds a layer of emotional depth to your writing.