grudging
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
- grudgingly adverb
Etymology
Origin of grudging
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English; see 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.
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
Soriano said Becerra Moran was among the park regulars who expressed a grudging acceptance of law enforcement.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2025
She gave Annabeth a look of grudging respect.
From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
