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
Justine MacNeil, the pastry chef and co-owner of Fiore, also sees that reluctance to change.
—
Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Feb. 2026
In chats among Kalshi traders on the online forum Discord, some show their reluctance to reveal their trading tricks by misdirecting.
—Bobby Allyn, NPR, 17 Feb. 2026
The couple also saw reluctance from insurance companies to get involved in rebuilding, with at least one firm denying their claim.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2026
But his reluctance to change his first-choice midfield three or rotate the wingers has hamstrung his side recently.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reluctance
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Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Feb. 2026
In chats among Kalshi traders on the online forum Discord, some show their reluctance to reveal their trading tricks by misdirecting.
—Bobby Allyn, NPR, 17 Feb. 2026
The couple also saw reluctance from insurance companies to get involved in rebuilding, with at least one firm denying their claim.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2026
But his reluctance to change his first-choice midfield three or rotate the wingers has hamstrung his side recently.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 10 Feb. 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 Feb. 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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