loath
Loath (adj) means Reluctant or unwilling to do something. Example: “She was loath to admit she had made a mistake.”
How to use loath
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUnwilling or reluctant — always used with "to" plus a verb, as in "loath to leave".
Don't confuse "loath" (adjective, meaning reluctant) with "loathe" (verb, meaning to hate).
Word forms
loather comparative, loathest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She was _____ to admit she had made a mistake.
Etymology
From Old English lāð ("hateful, hostile"), an ancestor shared with "loathe" and "loathsome".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for loath
See all rhymes for loath →Frequently asked questions
What does “loath” mean?
The word “loath” means reluctant or unwilling to do something. In plain terms, unwilling or reluctant — always used with "to" plus a verb, as in "loath to leave".
How do you pronounce “loath”?
“Loath” is pronounced lohth (/loʊθ/ in IPA).
How do you use “loath” in a sentence?
Here is “loath” used in a sentence: “She was loath to admit she had made a mistake.”
What is another word for “loath”?
Words with a similar meaning to “loath” include averse, disinclined, reluctant and unwilling.
What is the opposite of “loath”?
The opposite of “loath” — its antonyms — is antonym(s) of.
What part of speech is “loath”?
“Loath” is an adjective.
Where does the word “loath” come from?
The word “loath” comes from Old English. From Old English lāð ("hateful, hostile"), an ancestor shared with "loathe" and "loathsome".