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
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
Macron's reluctance to be involved could be a sign of broader trepidation.
—
Zac Anderson, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
To be sure, there are valid strategic reasons for his reluctance.
—Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 16 Jan. 2026
Six prosecutors resigned over the DOJ’s push to investigate Good’s widow and its reluctance to investigate the shooter, the New York Times reported.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 15 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, this week six federal prosecutors in Minnesota resigned over a push by the Justice Department to investigate Good’s widow and the department’s reluctance to investigate the agent who fired the shots, The New York Times reported, citing people with knowledge of the decision.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reluctance
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Zac Anderson, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
To be sure, there are valid strategic reasons for his reluctance.
—Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 16 Jan. 2026
Six prosecutors resigned over the DOJ’s push to investigate Good’s widow and its reluctance to investigate the shooter, the New York Times reported.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 15 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, this week six federal prosecutors in Minnesota resigned over a push by the Justice Department to investigate Good’s widow and the department’s reluctance to investigate the agent who fired the shots, The New York Times reported, citing people with knowledge of the decision.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reluctance
Cite this Entry
“Reluctance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reluctance. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reluctance
noun
re·luc·tance
ri-ˈlək-tən(t)s
: the quality or state of being reluctant
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