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 source material for The Spiderwick Chronicles is aimed squarely at children, and in part the show’s shallowness seems to stem from a reluctance to lose too much of its kid-friendly lightness.
—
Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Apr. 2024
Keeping with a traditional view of the in-person work dynamic, Jassy also expressed reluctance for the four-day work week.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reluctance 
Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Apr. 2024
Keeping with a traditional view of the in-person work dynamic, Jassy also expressed reluctance for the four-day work week.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 15 Apr. 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 3 May. 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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