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
The reluctance to delegate is understandable.
—
Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
This is compelling in its own right, as the current practice facility (Joe Craft Center) was built in 2007 and athletics director Mitch Barnhart's reluctance to erect a new one was a catalyst in coach John Calipari's departure.
—Payton Titus, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Sep. 2025
Another echoed that same sentiment, siding with the poster’s reluctance to share.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025
But there is also a deeper democratic malaise driven by his reluctance to heed the message delivered at the ballot box.
—Cole Stangler, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reluctance
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Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
This is compelling in its own right, as the current practice facility (Joe Craft Center) was built in 2007 and athletics director Mitch Barnhart's reluctance to erect a new one was a catalyst in coach John Calipari's departure.
—Payton Titus, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Sep. 2025
Another echoed that same sentiment, siding with the poster’s reluctance to share.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025
But there is also a deeper democratic malaise driven by his reluctance to heed the message delivered at the ballot box.
—Cole Stangler, Time, 9 Sep. 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 17 Sep. 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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