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 of reluctance

• unwillingness
• hesitancy
• reticence
• hesitance
• doubt
• disinclination

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

Against that backdrop, the royal visit signals that Spain is shedding its longstanding reluctance to send its monarchs to the exclaves, Amirah-Fernández said. — Joseph Wilson, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026

Still, shares fell almost 3% despite the solid results, reflecting investors' reluctance to reward even better-than-expected earnings amid broader concerns about the banking sector. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

Concern may lead to over-protection, excessive checking or reluctance to let an employee experience the consequences of a decision. — Thomas Lim, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026

In recent days, Guilfoyle had expressed reluctance to step down, but the White House briefing on Tuesday left her with little choice, two sources familiar with the matter told CBS News. — Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

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