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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Still, at the same time, Trump has baselessly questioned the voting method and shown reluctance to cast ballots through mail-in voting. Soo Rin Kim, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2024 Even the man hand-picked to manage the conclave, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), might be in the running, despite his reluctance and the fact that he’s been stricken with a crisis of faith of late. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2024 By holding onto this vision and managing the tension between their current reality and future aspirations, the consulting team transformed their approach from one of reluctance to one of opportunity. Thomas Lim, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 Black and Latino voters are key get-out-the-vote targets, an official says, but the campaign is also trying to reach Republicans and rural voters to cut into Trump's margins in some counties where some GOP voters have shown a reluctance to support Trump. Aaron Navarro, CBS News, 24 Oct. 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 8 Nov. 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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