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.
Part of the reason for the decision, Acosta said, was the reluctance of his underage victims to testify. Julie K Brown, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2025 Trump has suggested the missiles could serve as leverage to bring Putin to the table, but his reluctance mirrors earlier delays in sanctions and aid to Kyiv. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025 Not just here Homebuyers across California are showing similar signs of reluctance. Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 16 Oct. 2025 Summer and her sister attended the execution at Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Bonne Terre — where the state’s executions take place — despite their dad’s initial reluctance. Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reluctance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reluctance. Accessed 22 Oct. 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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