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.
In Europe, the reluctance was more ominous given the massive EV targets set for 2030. Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025 New York traded Toppin to the Indiana Pacers for two second-round picks in 2022, citing his inconsistent minutes behind All-Star Julius Randle and then-coach Tom Thibodeau’s reluctance to extend leashes to young players on win-now rosters. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 21 June 2025 Given their reluctance to extend him, is there a deal to me made on draft day for Mark Williams? As previously mentioned, what happens with Mark Williams is one of the key things to keep the eye on this offseason. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 20 June 2025 So far, the White House has signaled a reluctance to wade into the fighting in the Middle East, now entering its fifth day. Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Reluctance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reluctance. Accessed 2 Jul. 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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