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

Synonyms

• disinclination
• hesitance
• hesitancy
• reticence
• unwillingness

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

The post, however, did not offer an explanation for the groom's family's reluctance to attend. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025

This reluctance sometimes stems from three key concerns: lack of trust in AI, implementation complexity and job security fears. —Ron Williams, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025

But some CEOs privately expressed reluctance to make long-term business decisions based on what could be a short-term policy. —Paul Davidson, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025

The willful reluctance of Western policymakers to recognize the importance of cognitive warfare carries the risk of irreversible losses in power and influence worldwide, the key factors that determine strategic outcomes in global competition. —Michael Miklaucic, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for reluctance

• conductance
• inductance
• transconductance

Kids Definition

reluctance

noun

re·​luc·​tance ri-ˈlək-tən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being reluctant