disinclined

adjective

dis·​in·​clined ˌdis-in-ˈklīnd 

: unwilling because of mild dislike or disapproval

Synonyms

• cagey
• cagy
• dubious
• hesitant
• indisposed
• loath
• loth
• loathe
• reluctant
• reticent

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for disinclined

• aligned
• alined
• assigned
• behind
• combined
• confined
• consigned
• declined
• defined
• designed
• divined
• enshrined