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Many usage commentators point out that the spelling of loath, the adjective, is distinct from loathe, the verb that means "to dislike greatly." Merriam-Webster dictionaries do record loathe (along with loth) as a variant spelling for the adjective, but at the same time indicate that the loath spelling is the most common one. The adjective and the verb both hark back to Old English, and the "e" ending in each has come and gone over the centuries—but if you want to avoid the ire of those who like to keep the language tidy, stick with loath for the adjective and loathe for the verb.
Synonyms
Examples of loath in a Sentence
Niall Stanage, The Hill, 30 Oct. 2024
Four years ago, or even eight, Democrats—and those who support them on the internet—were loath to go that low.
—Angela Watercutter, WIRED, 18 Oct. 2024
Harrington sold shares in Microsoft to pay his side upfront, while Newell, loath to part with his Microsoft shares, borrowed against them to put up his half.
—Stephen Pastis, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
Plus, Nolan is a final-cut director, and Bond gatekeeper Barbara Broccoli is loath to grant any filmmaker that control.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 16 Oct. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Loath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loath. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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