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
Is there a reason why there seems to be a reluctance to truly set the majority of these films’ runtimes in highly populated areas?
—
Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2025
Behind the reluctance of some to relax the rule — or eliminate it altogether — is the fear of La Grange becoming like some Chicago suburbs that attract problems with antisocial behavior that can come with too many bars where patrons could get out of hand.
—Hank Beckman, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025
Although some extol the drugs’ health benefits, most focus on economics, including the drugs’ high cost, the growing reluctance of private and public insurance plans to cover the expense and the resulting affordability crisis for patients.
—Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Data indicate consumers are continuing to spend money and haven't shown much reluctance to accept higher prices, House said.
—Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for reluctance
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Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2025
Behind the reluctance of some to relax the rule — or eliminate it altogether — is the fear of La Grange becoming like some Chicago suburbs that attract problems with antisocial behavior that can come with too many bars where patrons could get out of hand.
—Hank Beckman, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025
Although some extol the drugs’ health benefits, most focus on economics, including the drugs’ high cost, the growing reluctance of private and public insurance plans to cover the expense and the resulting affordability crisis for patients.
—Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Data indicate consumers are continuing to spend money and haven't shown much reluctance to accept higher prices, House said.
—Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for reluctance
Cite this Entry
“Reluctance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reluctance. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reluctance
noun
re·luc·tance
ri-ˈlək-tən(t)s
: the quality or state of being reluctant
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