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

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

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

But there is also a deeper democratic malaise driven by his reluctance to heed the message delivered at the ballot box. —Cole Stangler, Time, 9 Sep. 2025

Added to this natural reluctance, competition between institutions has subverted collaboration to increase net welfare. —David G.w. Birch, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025

This decision reflects a broader reluctance to empower oversight even in the face of rising public demand for transparency and accountability. —Hansel Alejandro Aguilar, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025

Given this franchise’s reluctance to add top talent in free agency, their draft-and-develop approach can work, but requires time. —Mac Engel september 4, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025

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