Grudging describes the way you do or give something when you do not want to. You still do it, but the feeling is tight and sour. A grudging apology is an apology you make because you must, not because you feel sorry. People also say grudging respect: you may not like someone, but you have to admit they are good. The word is a little formal. You will meet it more in writing than in easy talk. It is the -ing form of the verb to grudge, and we use it most often as an adjective before a noun — a grudging smile, a grudging yes. The plain verb (I grudge him the money) is less common now.