reluctance
noun
re·luc·tance
ri-ˈlək-tən(t)s 
1
: the quality or state of being reluctant
2
: the opposition offered in a magnetic circuit to magnetic flux
specifically
: the ratio of the magnetic potential difference to the corresponding flux
Examples of reluctance in a Sentence
the mice showed an odd reluctance to eat the cheese we had put out for them
Recent Examples on the Web
His unwise challenge of an Evander Kane goal in Game 3 started the deluge, and the combination of his reluctance to use the guys at the end of his bench and a prevent defense mentality certainly didn’t help as the Oilers consistently outplayed the Kings in the third period and beyond.
—
Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 10 May 2025
Something that continues to concern Penn, known for his stellar performances in films such as Milk, Mystic River, Taps, and Fast Times at Ridgemont High, is the current threats to journalism and the media and some’s reluctance or fear to speak truth to power.
—Simon Thompson, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
In an exclusive interview with Variety at the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai on Thursday, Nandy underlined the U.K. government’s reluctance to impose additional financial burdens on streamers at a time when investment in British content is flourishing.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 May 2025
Despite consumer reluctance to spend, the opening of new malls continues to generate excitement and boost foot traffic, highlighting the uneven nature of China’s recovery.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reluctance
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Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 10 May 2025
Something that continues to concern Penn, known for his stellar performances in films such as Milk, Mystic River, Taps, and Fast Times at Ridgemont High, is the current threats to journalism and the media and some’s reluctance or fear to speak truth to power.
—Simon Thompson, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
In an exclusive interview with Variety at the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai on Thursday, Nandy underlined the U.K. government’s reluctance to impose additional financial burdens on streamers at a time when investment in British content is flourishing.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 May 2025
Despite consumer reluctance to spend, the opening of new malls continues to generate excitement and boost foot traffic, highlighting the uneven nature of China’s recovery.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reluctance
Cite this Entry
“Reluctance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reluctance. Accessed 15 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reluctance
noun
re·luc·tance
ri-ˈlək-tən(t)s
: the quality or state of being reluctant
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