loath

To be loath to do something means you are very unwilling to do it. It is stronger than simply not wanting to. You might be loath to admit you were wrong, loath to share bad news, or loath to revisit a painful memory. The word is usually followed by "to," as in "I am loath to believe it." It often sounds a little formal or old-fashioned.

The word loath describes a strong feeling of unwillingness about doing something. It goes beyond a mild preference or a simple "no." When someone is loath to act, they feel inner resistance and do not want to go through with it. Sometimes the feeling comes from fear, discomfort, shame, or sorrow.

You might be loath to admit a mistake, loath to leave a place you love, or loath to bring up a painful subject. A friend can be loath to deliver bad news. A leader can be loath to change course. In each case, the person does not just hesitate a little; they really do not want to do it.

It is important not to confuse loath with loathe. Loath is usually an adjective, and it is commonly followed by "to": you are loath to do something. Loathe is a verb that means to hate something. This is a very common mix-up.

You will often see loath in careful writing, stories, and formal speech. It can sound a little literary or old-fashioned, but it is still used today. When you want to show strong reluctance in a vivid way, loath is the right word.