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.
Is there a reason why there seems to be a reluctance to truly set the majority of these films’ runtimes in highly populated areas? Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2025 Behind the reluctance of some to relax the rule — or eliminate it altogether — is the fear of La Grange becoming like some Chicago suburbs that attract problems with antisocial behavior that can come with too many bars where patrons could get out of hand. Hank Beckman, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025 Although some extol the drugs’ health benefits, most focus on economics, including the drugs’ high cost, the growing reluctance of private and public insurance plans to cover the expense and the resulting affordability crisis for patients. Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 Data indicate consumers are continuing to spend money and haven't shown much reluctance to accept higher prices, House said. Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 11 June 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 30 Jun. 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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