What does "unaccustomed" mean?

[unaccustomed]

Test No. incompl/advan-1 "Code of Practice", question 9

Some people are ......... to learn a foreign language.

(a) unaccustomed
(b) shy
(c) reluctant
(d) inhibited

Test No. incompl/advan-1 "Code of Practice", answer 9

Some people are reluctant to learn a foreign language.

Correct answer: (c) reluctant
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unaccustomed

[Alan]

This word is followed by a gerund or ing form as in: I am unaccustomed to speaking in public.
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English as a Second Language
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[guest]

I wonder why "shy" can't be an answer.
Thanks,

[Alan]

Shy doesn't naturally link with an infinitive construction. Possibly you could be shy at/about + the geund.
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English as a Foreign Language
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[Zero]

i dont' know why "inhabited" can't be used.
Thanks

[Alan]

Hi Zero,

I think the word you mean is inhibited, meaning that you feel embarrassed about doing something. It won't work in this sentence because you would have to say:inhibited about learning.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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