grudging

American  

[gruhj-ing] / ˈgrʌdʒ ɪŋ /

adjective

1. displaying or reflecting reluctance or unwillingness.

   grudging acceptance of the victory of an opponent.

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Other Word Forms

• grudgingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of grudging

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English; grudge, -ing ²

Explanation

If you do something in a grudging manner (or grudgingly), you do it with reluctance. Doing homework, paying taxes, and saying sorry are all commonly done in a grudging manner. "Grudging apology" and "grudging acceptance" are probably the two most common uses of this word, which perhaps says something about our lack of grace as a species. The word derives from the medieval French word groucher, meaning "to murmur or mumble." A related word is grudge, meaning a long-lasting sense of ill will dating to a previous incident.

Example Sentences

Many Western officials view Yermak with a grudging respect.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

I don’t know if the government’s grudging confession of error played a role in the full court’s decision.

From Slate • Oct. 31, 2025

But there was a sense, a grudging willingness among these Labour voters to give Sir Keir and the government more time.

From BBC • Jul. 5, 2025

While compliance with court orders has at times been grudging, the President and Congress have consistently respected Marbury in the end because it is part of the glue that holds the Constitution together.

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2025

Which one? she said; she sounded grudging, suspicious, but then, she almost always sounds like that when she speaks to me.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

Related Words

• afraid
• averse
• cautious
• circumspect
• hesitant
• loath
• shy
• slow
• squeamish
• uncertain
• wary