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 of reluctance

• unwillingness
• hesitancy
• reticence
• hesitance
• doubt
• disinclination

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

Saudi Arabian clubs were interested, but the Jamaica winger did not want to leave permanently owing to his desire to stay in Europe’s top leagues and his reluctance to break a lucrative contract that runs until 2027 and includes an option of a further year. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026

The one tiny potential upside of the populist movement was its apparent reluctance to plunge the nation into foreign debacles. —Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 6 Mar. 2026

Kline was frustrated and even infuriated by the military's past reluctance. —CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026

War Machine makes 81’s reluctance to give pep talks, or even try to ingratiate himself with his comrades-in-arms, the subject of one of its very few overt jokes. —Chris Klimek, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for reluctance

• conductance
• inductance
• transconductance

Kids Definition

reluctance

noun

re·​luc·​tance ri-ˈlək-tən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being reluctant