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

• disinclination
• hesitance
• hesitancy
• reticence
• unwillingness

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 reluctance of Texas lawmakers to expand the legality of marijuana in the state isn’t stopping a growing industry of niche cannabis producers who see opportunity in the Lone Star state. —Christopher Torres, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2024

But Campbell, himself a proud gun owner and a member of the National Rifle Association, said that, undergirding a gun owner's reluctance to reach out for mental health support, is the fear that somebody's going to take their guns away and put them on a red-flag list. —Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 14 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

reluctance

noun

re·​luc·​tance ri-ˈlək-tən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being reluctant