reluctance

noun

re·​luc·​tance ri-ˈlək-tən(t)s How to pronounce reluctance (audio)
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
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.
Although the cap mirrors a G7 mechanism, U.S. reluctance to support a lower price forced the EU to act independently. Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025 Hazel’s reluctance stems from her personal knowledge of the priest. Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2025 But from your perspective, running the DNC during that campaign, what was their reluctance? David Weigel, semafor.com, 16 July 2025 State leaders have expressed reluctance to substantially discipline the private prison operator over its systemic operational issues. Melissa Brown, The Tennessean, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for reluctance

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reluctance was circa 1628

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Cite this Entry

“Reluctance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reluctance. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

reluctance

noun
re·​luc·​tance ri-ˈlək-tən(t)s How to pronounce reluctance (audio)
: the quality or state of being reluctant

More from Merriam-Webster on reluctance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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