Meaning: Unwilling and hesitant to do something
Hindi: अनिच्छुक
Synonyms: unwilling, hesitant, disinclined, loath
Antonyms: willing, eager, keen
Asked in: SSC Steno 2026 T-1 · SSC MTS 2024 · SSC CGL 2024 T-1 · SSC CPO 2023 T-1 · SSC CPO 2022 T-1 · SSC Steno 2022 T-1 · SSC GD 2022 T-1 · SSC CGL 2019 T-2
reluctant in SSC previous-year questions
- SSC MTS 2024 Synonyms
Select the most appropriate synonym of the following word.
ReluctantAnswer & explanation
Answer: C) Unwilling
Correct Answer: Unwilling
Explanation:
Let’s look at the meaning of the word Reluctant and the options:
• Reluctant
• Meaning: Not willing to do something; hesitant or unwilling.
• Hindi: अनिच्छुक / हिचकिचाने वाला
Now analyse the options:
• Curious
• Meaning: Eager to know or learn something
• Hindi: जिज्ञासु
• ❌ Opposite in tone, not a synonym.
• Pleasant
• Meaning: Enjoyable, nice, or agreeable
• Hindi: सुखद
• ❌ Not related to reluctance.
• Unwilling ✅
• Meaning: Not ready or prepared to do something
• Hindi: अनिच्छुक
• ✅ Exact synonym of reluctant.
• Unrelenting
• Meaning: Not yielding in strength, severity, or determination
• Hindi: कठोर / अडिग
• ❌ Not the same as being reluctant.
Final - SSC Steno 2026 T-1 Synonyms
Select the synonym of Reluctant.
Answer & explanation
Answer: B) Hesitant
Meaning: reluctant = unwilling, holding back, doing something without any desire to do it *(अनिच्छुक, हिचकिचाने वाला)*.
From Latin *reluctari* — *re-* (back, against) + *luctari* (to struggle), so the literal sense is "struggling against" something.
hesitant = slow to act or speak because of doubt or unwillingness *(झिझकने वाला, हिचकिचाता हुआ)*.
It describes the same holding back, and it fits the very same sentence: *She was reluctant / hesitant to speak before the crowd.*
Why the others are wrong.
• willing = ready and happy to do something *(तैयार, इच्छुक)* — the direct antonym.
• prompt = quick, without delay *(तत्पर, शीघ्र)* — this is about speed, not desire; a person can be prompt and s - SSC CGL 2019 T-2 Synonyms
Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.
RELUCTANTAnswer & explanation
Answer: B) unwilling
✅ Correct Answer: Option B (unwilling)
Type: Synonym
RELUCTANT – unwilling or hesitant to do something (अनिच्छुक).
Meanings
• unwilling – not wanting to (अनिच्छुक) → synonym. ✓
• pleased / steady / afraid – different meanings. - SSC CPO 2022 T-1 Synonyms
Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.
ReluctantAnswer & explanation
Answer: D) Hesitant
Answer: 4 (Hesitant)
Solution (Correct Option - 4: Hesitant):
The word “reluctant” means unwilling or not eager to do something. It suggests holding back or showing hesitation.
The most appropriate synonym is “hesitant”, which also means unsure, unwilling, or showing pause before acting or deciding.
✔ Example:
She was reluctant to speak in front of the crowd = She was hesitant to speak.
Why other options are incorrect:
Definite – means certain or clear (निश्चित); opposite of hesitant.
Confident – means self-assured (आत्मविश्वासी); opposite in tone.
Indiscreet – means lacking caution or good judgment in speech or action (अविवेकी); unrelated to hesitation or unwillingness.
Difficult Word Meani - SSC CPO 2023 T-1 One Word Substitution
Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the underlined words.
He was not willing to attend the technical session of the conference.Answer & explanation
Answer: C) reluctant
The option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the underlined words "not willing" in the given sentence is: "reluctant"
Reluctant: Unwilling or hesitant to do something; showing resistance or reluctance towards a particular action or decision, often due to doubts, fears, or aversion.
Comprehensive: Covering or including all elements or aspects; thorough, extensive, or inclusive in scope; encompassing a broad range of subjects, topics, or information.
Curious: Eager to learn or know about something; inquisitive or inquiring in nature; showing interest or fascination in understanding or exploring new things.
Dejecting: Causing someone to feel disheartened, discouraged, or low in s - SSC Steno 2022 T-1 Antonyms
Select the word that is OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word in the given sentence.
She was reluctant to say anything to the members of the board.Answer & explanation
Answer: D) Eager
Answer: (d) Eager
Explanation:
• Reluctant means unwilling or hesitant to do something (अनिच्छुक).
• ✅ Eager means keen or enthusiastic to do something (उत्सुक) — the opposite of reluctant.
Other options:
• Hesitant – same as reluctant ❌
• Impatient – restless or unable to wait (not exact opposite) ❌
• Annoyed – irritated (contextually unrelated) ❌
✅ So, the correct antonym of reluctant is eager.
Examples
- “He was reluctant to share his personal details.”
reluctant – questions
What is the meaning of reluctant in Hindi?
reluctant means “अनिच्छुक” in Hindi. In English: Unwilling and hesitant to do something
What are the synonyms of reluctant?
Synonyms of reluctant: unwilling, hesitant, disinclined, loath.
What is the opposite of reluctant?
Antonyms of reluctant: willing, eager, keen.
Has reluctant been asked in SSC exams?
Yes – reluctant has been asked 8 times in SSC exams: SSC Steno 2026 T-1, SSC MTS 2024, SSC CGL 2024 T-1, SSC CPO 2023 T-1, SSC CPO 2022 T-1, SSC Steno 2022 T-1, SSC GD 2022 T-1, SSC CGL 2019 T-2.