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

Democrats’ weak prospects in Florida kept the national party out of the state, and Nixon capitalized on Vindman’s reluctance to face her on the campaign trail and her record as an outspoken progressive. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Ilya is tired of hiding, and worries that Shane’s reluctance says something about his feelings. — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

In 2021, however, there was a shedding of some of the longstanding reluctance to consider an Arab party in the coalition, for those who saw the political necessity of doing so in order to remove Netanyahu from office. — Tomer Almagor, Sun Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2026

Israeli police and military reluctance The Israeli police are overseen by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, himself a hard-line settler who has been convicted eight times for offenses that include supporting a terrorist organization. — Joseph Krauss, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 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