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

There’s also a reluctance to become reliant on Nvidia’s chips on the Chinese side. —Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 15 May 2026

The Assembly echoed the Senate’s reluctance to make cuts to safety net programs. —Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2026

In his first title race against Manchester City, there was a reluctance from the Arsenal boss to make changes at key moments that sapped momentum away from his side. —Art De Roché, New York Times, 13 May 2026

But perhaps best of all is the city’s reluctance to take itself too seriously. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 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