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

At Wolves, Nuno would often be criticised by supporters for his reluctance to use his substitutes to make tactical tweaks during matches. —Paul Taylor, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024

However, the president's comments are a notable shift from his earlier reluctance to take a position. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024

All five Sacramento starters were in double figures at halftime, while Jokic was the lowest-scoring starter for either team, an indicator of his strange reluctance to return the favor to Domantas Sabonis, who frequently rammed into him in the post. —Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 17 Dec. 2024

An emerging body of research nationwide blames this imbalance partly on reluctance among employers to provide apprenticeships. —Jon Marcus, NPR, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

reluctance

noun

re·​luc·​tance ri-ˈlək-tən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being reluctant