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

But given that Musk seems disinclined to do so thus far, the first high-profile case of the SEC under a second Trump term may well turn out to be against his most important benefactor. —Brian Barrett, WIRED, 15 Jan. 2025

Sounds to me like your friend can’t, won’t, or is disinclined to forgive you. —James Parker, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024

Attorney General Merrick Garland initially seemed disinclined to follow their counsel — but when word leaked out that Garland was considering other contenders, articles slamming them appeared in the Prospect and the Intercept. —Andrew Prokop, Vox, 15 Oct. 2024

White Sox management has long been thought of as calcified in its strategies, disinclined to make changes, and not evolving with the rest of the sport. —Michael Peregrine, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024