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

That reluctance highlights the slower parts of regime change so far. — Steve Liesman,matt Peterson, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026

Since some Thompsonville residents expressed reluctance about that plan two years ago, officials are now hoping to come up with a new vision that would attract stronger community support. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026

But reluctance to intervene is risky too, further eroding US credibility in the region as a reliable security partner, already undermined by an Iran war that has left US allies in the Gulf region feeling dangerously exposed. — Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026

There is also a level of intimidation — The Athletic encountered a reluctance from individuals and organisations to speak on the record. — Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Sep. 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