reluctance

noun

re·​luc·​tance ri-ˈlək-tən(t)s How to pronounce reluctance (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Historically, the reluctance of insurance companies to cover obesity medications is born out of a belief that obesity is a personal failing. Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024 Comparisons to bailouts for financial institutions highlight a reluctance to treat green tech failures as critical to economic and strategic interests. Robert Rapier, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 The out and proud Ted comes to visit Steven midway through season 1, and provides a fascinating contrast to Steven's reluctance to embrace his sexuality, primarily out of fear of his father's reprisal. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 11 Dec. 2024 The tickets have been verified by the team who ask for a screen recording as well as the ticket confirmation to be forwarded to their email — a reluctance to do this is one of the biggest tells someone isn’t legit, Garay says. Kari McMahon, Billboard, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reluctance 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reluctance was circa 1628

Dictionary Entries Near reluctance

Cite this Entry

“Reluctance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reluctance. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

reluctance

noun
re·​luc·​tance ri-ˈlək-tən(t)s How to pronounce reluctance (audio)
: the quality or state of being reluctant

More from Merriam-Webster on reluctance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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