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
Here, technology can help traditional sports but there is a strong reluctance to change the essence of sport itself.
—
John Cairney, Sportico.com, 27 Feb. 2025
First-time show host Conan O’Brien explained the team’s reluctance.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 26 Feb. 2025
Blame it on the mass tourism that has led to overcrowded summer destinations and a reluctance among some savvier travelers to join the fray.
—Everett Potter, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
But Devers showed reluctance to move off third base.
—Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reluctance
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John Cairney, Sportico.com, 27 Feb. 2025
First-time show host Conan O’Brien explained the team’s reluctance.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 26 Feb. 2025
Blame it on the mass tourism that has led to overcrowded summer destinations and a reluctance among some savvier travelers to join the fray.
—Everett Potter, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
But Devers showed reluctance to move off third base.
—Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 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 9 Mar. 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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