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

Haiti’s business community has long been criticized for monopolistic practices and a reluctance to collaborate. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026

The reluctance to discuss one's own death, which already sits at the root of many inheritance failures, runs even deeper with digital holdings. — Sergey Stopnevich, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Never a forward accused of timidness, his offside restraint is not down to any reluctance to make surging runs in behind. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 24 June 2026

The reason for this defeat was not a reluctance to use force. — Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 19 June 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