grudging
GRUJ-ingadjMeaning given or done unwillingly
Memory hook GRUDGE + FUDGE. Mom says Kai must share, so he hands his sister half of his fudge with a scowl and a long sigh. His sharing is grudging.
Kai gave a grudging apology to his sister, staring at his shoes the whole time.
In context Though the critic had disliked the director’s earlier films, he offered grudging praise for this one, admitting that its final scene was beautiful.
Similar reluctant, unwilling, halfhearted, resentful
Opposite wholehearted, willing, generous
From grudge, from an old verb meaning “to grumble, to complain.”