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
He’s used to getting sources to divulge secrets but displays considerable reluctance to share much about himself or his methods.
—
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2025
Speaking to Variety ahead of the Venice Gap-Financing Market, Ortega described his initial reluctance to adapt Busqued’s true-crime book, which was based on a string of killings in Buenos Aires in the 1980s.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
The decision was made in the best interest of Ember, who at times showed a reluctance to make the traditional romp around Folsom Field while leading the team.
—Pat Graham, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025
That reluctance to communicate can break down team collaboration and stall productivity.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reluctance
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2025
Speaking to Variety ahead of the Venice Gap-Financing Market, Ortega described his initial reluctance to adapt Busqued’s true-crime book, which was based on a string of killings in Buenos Aires in the 1980s.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
The decision was made in the best interest of Ember, who at times showed a reluctance to make the traditional romp around Folsom Field while leading the team.
—Pat Graham, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025
That reluctance to communicate can break down team collaboration and stall productivity.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reluctance
Cite this Entry
“Reluctance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reluctance. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reluctance
noun
re·luc·tance
ri-ˈlək-tən(t)s
: the quality or state of being reluctant
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share