Synonyms of disinclined

disinclined

adjective

ˌdis-in-ˈklīnd 

as in reluctant

slow to begin or proceed with a course of action because of doubts or uncertainty

disinclined to pay his friends a visit without calling first

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reluctant
• hesitant
• loath
• unsure
• loth
• unwilling
• dubious
• loathe
• skeptical
• indisposed
• reticent
• uncertain
• cagy
• cagey
• averse
• doubtful
• timid
• unenthusiastic
• ambivalent
• irresolute
• conflicted
• infirm
• undecided
• questioning
• uneager
• wobbly
• faltering
• indecisive
• wabbly
• shy
• halting
• vacillating
• fainthearted

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inclined
• eager
• happy
• glad
• enthusiastic
• willing
• keen
• ready
• disposed
• decided
• certain
• sure
• resolute
• determined
• unquestioning

Synonym Chooser

How is the word disinclined different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of disinclined are averse, hesitant, loath, and reluctant. While all these words 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

When might averse be a better fit than disinclined?

The synonyms averse and disinclined are sometimes interchangeable, but averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance.

averse to hard work

not averse to an occasional drink

When is it sensible to use hesitant instead of disinclined?

Although the words hesitant and disinclined have much in common, hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty.

hesitant about asking for a date

When could loath be used to replace disinclined?

The words loath and disinclined are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, loath implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking.

seems loath to trust anyone

When can reluctant be used instead of disinclined?

While in some cases nearly identical to disinclined, reluctant implies a holding back through unwillingness.

a reluctant witness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of disinclined

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