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

Experts believe the staggering tuition expenses are a major factor behind South Koreans’ reluctance to have children – along with other burdens like long working hours, stagnant wages and sky-high housing costs. —Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025

Seemingly, the show uses it to write off Emily’s longtime love interest, Gabriel (played with supremely Gallic reluctance by Lucas Bravo). —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025

There may be reluctance to get tested because of the fear of some kind of result that indicates disease presence. —Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 18 Dec. 2025

And Trump’s appetite for risking confrontation with bigger powers is extremely limited, as demonstrated by his reluctance to confront Russia over Ukraine. —Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025

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