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
The reason for this defeat was not a reluctance to use force.
—
Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026
In what may be a sign of Ossoff’s reluctance to discuss a 2028 campaign for president, his campaign declined USA TODAY's request for an interview.
—Jay Stahl, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Of course, such individual reluctance does little to blunt the effects of their choices.
—Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
So are side effects and a simple reluctance to take a drug indefinitely.
—Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for reluctance
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Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026
In what may be a sign of Ossoff’s reluctance to discuss a 2028 campaign for president, his campaign declined USA TODAY's request for an interview.
—Jay Stahl, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Of course, such individual reluctance does little to blunt the effects of their choices.
—Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
So are side effects and a simple reluctance to take a drug indefinitely.
—Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 13 June 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 21 Jun. 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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