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
In addition to Trump’s reluctance this term to fire high-level Cabinet officials, and his disinterest in addressing his past Epstein friendship, Lutnick is also a longtime friend of the president who has defended his tariff regime against intra-party criticism.
—
Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 10 Feb. 2026
But there was reluctance to take on two years (and $84 million) for a player who has not played more than 67 games in any of his six seasons because of injuries and suspensions.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
Tuttle says the Berlinale has great relationships with the studios but suggests their reluctance to showcase big titles at the festival is part of a wider trend.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2026
Some reluctance stems from the belief that other customers will perceive solo diners or moviegoers as sad or lonely.
—Peter McGraw, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reluctance
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Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 10 Feb. 2026
But there was reluctance to take on two years (and $84 million) for a player who has not played more than 67 games in any of his six seasons because of injuries and suspensions.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
Tuttle says the Berlinale has great relationships with the studios but suggests their reluctance to showcase big titles at the festival is part of a wider trend.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2026
Some reluctance stems from the belief that other customers will perceive solo diners or moviegoers as sad or lonely.
—Peter McGraw, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 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 14 Feb. 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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