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
Vessel’s starkly sharp architecture — critics call it cold or even brutally modernistic — has drawn pushback in several affluent suburbs, but its supporters say opposition is often based on a reluctance to bring lower- to moderate-income people into upscale neighborhoods.
—
Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026
The reluctance from his party colleagues underscores a delicate balancing act for Democrats, who are seeking to maintain party cohesion while grappling with internal debates over strategy, messaging, and leadership, all while vying for a House majority in the midterm elections.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 29 Mar. 2026
Wynter and other Republicans, including Jones and Carr, have also criticized Jackson's reluctance to debate, highlighting growing tensions within the GOP primary.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
There’s a reason for their reluctance and caution.
—David McHugh, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reluctance
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Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026
The reluctance from his party colleagues underscores a delicate balancing act for Democrats, who are seeking to maintain party cohesion while grappling with internal debates over strategy, messaging, and leadership, all while vying for a House majority in the midterm elections.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 29 Mar. 2026
Wynter and other Republicans, including Jones and Carr, have also criticized Jackson's reluctance to debate, highlighting growing tensions within the GOP primary.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
There’s a reason for their reluctance and caution.
—David McHugh, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 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 2 Apr. 2026.
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reluctance
noun
re·luc·tance
ri-ˈlək-tən(t)s
: the quality or state of being reluctant
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