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
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
Key points of discussion included the Army’s reluctance to use anti-collision technology known as Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, or ADS-B, and why the FAA allowed military helicopter pilots to fly without the technology.
—
Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
Inadequate investigative staffing, reluctance to credit inmate testimony, and weak disciplinary processes allowed misconduct to persist.
—Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
That so many businesses came together for the statement was an achievement, given the customary reluctance of corporate leaders to address incendiary political issues.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
At one point, while discussing the prospect of federal officers entering residences without a warrant, the judge expressed reluctance to decide issues not yet raised in a lawsuit before her.
—Steve Karnowski, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reluctance
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Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
Inadequate investigative staffing, reluctance to credit inmate testimony, and weak disciplinary processes allowed misconduct to persist.
—Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
That so many businesses came together for the statement was an achievement, given the customary reluctance of corporate leaders to address incendiary political issues.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
At one point, while discussing the prospect of federal officers entering residences without a warrant, the judge expressed reluctance to decide issues not yet raised in a lawsuit before her.
—Steve Karnowski, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reluctance
Cite this Entry
“Reluctance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reluctance. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reluctance
noun
re·luc·tance
ri-ˈlək-tən(t)s
: the quality or state of being reluctant
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