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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.
Examples of loath in a Sentence
Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, many Americans seem loath to accept or even acknowledge one of the fundamental developments of our time: the transformation of America from a unipolar world behemoth to a lesser power in a multipolar environment.
—Robert W. Merry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
Jonah Paul, like many of his peers, is loath to work in-person four days a week.
—Stephen Hobbs, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2025
Congressional Democrats, who have so far been unable to do much to stop Trump's steamroller except raise their voices, are loath to agree to any spending plan without guarantees that the president won't ignore it.
—Susan Page, USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for loath
Cite this Entry
“Loath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loath. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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