disinclined

adjective

dis·​in·​clined ˌdis-in-ˈklīnd How to pronounce disinclined (audio)
: unwilling because of mild dislike or disapproval
Choose the Right Synonym for disinclined

disinclined, hesitant, reluctant, loath, averse mean lacking the will or desire to do something indicated.

disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination.

disinclined to move again
disinclined for reading

hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty.

hesitant about asking for a date

reluctant implies a holding back through unwillingness.

a reluctant witness

loath implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking.

seems loath to trust anyone

averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance.

averse to hard work
not averse to an occasional drink

Examples of disinclined in a Sentence

disinclined to pay his friends a visit without calling first
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ritter declined to call the bill for a vote last year and is disinclined to do so now. Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2025 The Pentagon always works more slowly than desired in the development of military plans, but ultimately cannot deliver on an impossible request—and is likely disinclined to offer less robust options. Julianne Smith, Foreign Affairs, 12 Feb. 2018 In light of this, many public schools might be disinclined to relinquish what could be a fail-safe legal safeguard by including explicit ADR language into revenue-sharing contracts with athletes. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 Feb. 2025 Really most cards are hard to find well centered because collectors are disinclined to sell them. Michael Salfino, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disinclined

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disinclined was in 1647

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disinclined.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disinclined. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disinclined

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!