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
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
The revelations may increase public reluctance to foot the bill for a rapid build-up in defense spending.
—
Ryotaro Nakamaru, TIME, 12 July 2024
Going into the 2004 GOP convention, Bush was also facing reluctance from swing voters.
—Marc A. Thiessen, Washington Post, 11 July 2024
Maitland’s reluctance underscores a challenge for the region as local agencies prepare to shoulder substantial costs for a rail system that has so far fallen short of its promise from a decade ago.
—Martin E. Comas, Orlando Sentinel, 8 July 2024
Despite initial reluctance, John is drawn to Katherine’s determination and the injustice of Caleb’s death.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for reluctance 
Ryotaro Nakamaru, TIME, 12 July 2024
Going into the 2004 GOP convention, Bush was also facing reluctance from swing voters.
—Marc A. Thiessen, Washington Post, 11 July 2024
Maitland’s reluctance underscores a challenge for the region as local agencies prepare to shoulder substantial costs for a rail system that has so far fallen short of its promise from a decade ago.
—Martin E. Comas, Orlando Sentinel, 8 July 2024
Despite initial reluctance, John is drawn to Katherine’s determination and the injustice of Caleb’s death.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for reluctance
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reluctance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near reluctance
Cite this Entry
“Reluctance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reluctance. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reluctance
noun
re·luc·tance
ri-ˈlək-tən(t)s
: the quality or state of being reluctant
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