loath

adjective

ˈlōth  ˈlōt͟h 

variants or less commonly loth

ˈlōth  ˈlōt͟h 

or loathe

ˈlōt͟h  ˈlōth 

: unwilling to do something contrary to one's ways of thinking : reluctant

She was loath to admit her mistakes.

loathness noun

Did you know?

Many usage commentators point out that the spelling of loath, the adjective, is distinct from loathe, the verb that means "to dislike greatly." Merriam-Webster dictionaries do record loathe (along with loth) as a variant spelling for the adjective, but at the same time indicate that the loath spelling is the most common one. The adjective and the verb both hark back to Old English, and the "e" ending in each has come and gone over the centuries—but if you want to avoid the ire of those who like to keep the language tidy, stick with loath for the adjective and loathe for the verb.

Synonyms

• cagey
• cagy
• disinclined
• dubious
• hesitant
• indisposed
• reluctant
• reticent

Choose the Right Synonym for loath

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 loath in a Sentence

She was loath to admit her mistakes.

I was loath to accept his claim of having climbed Mount Everest.

Recent Examples on the Web

With a 12-month extension prolonging his deal to 2026, Newcastle could command a reasonable fee for the 27-year-old, even if Howe is loath to lose him. —James McNicholas, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025

Businesses are loath to lay off workers now after struggling to hire and retain workers just a few years ago. —Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 23 Dec. 2024

As the West conditioned reconstruction and diplomatic engagement on the regime’s striving toward a political settlement with rebel groups, something Assad was loath to do, Syria grew isolated. —Karam Shaar, Foreign Affairs, 20 Dec. 2024

One reason: Xi’s party is loath to reinflate bubbles or reward bad behavior in ways, squandering progress made to deleverage the economy. —William Pesek, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English loth loathsome, from Old English lāth; akin to Old High German leid loathsome, Old Irish lius loathing

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

loath

adjective

variants also loth

ˈlōth,

ˈlōt͟h

or loathe

ˈlōt͟h  ˈlōth 

: unwilling to do something : reluctant

seems loath to trust anyone