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
That's the product of the transfer portal that May has shown no reluctance to use.
—
CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
That’s the product of the transfer portal that May has shown no reluctance to use.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
Former Georgia Tech coach Josh Pastner, who led the Jackets to their most recent NCAA Tournament appearance and ACC Tournament title in 2021 (two years before he was fired) — attributes part of that to Tech’s reluctance to spend in name, image and likeness (NIL).
—Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 6 Apr. 2026
But with so few options — and a reluctance to limit services — lawmakers did turn to the cutting of provider rates.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reluctance
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CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
That’s the product of the transfer portal that May has shown no reluctance to use.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
Former Georgia Tech coach Josh Pastner, who led the Jackets to their most recent NCAA Tournament appearance and ACC Tournament title in 2021 (two years before he was fired) — attributes part of that to Tech’s reluctance to spend in name, image and likeness (NIL).
—Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 6 Apr. 2026
But with so few options — and a reluctance to limit services — lawmakers did turn to the cutting of provider rates.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reluctance
Cite this Entry
“Reluctance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reluctance. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reluctance
noun
re·luc·tance
ri-ˈlək-tən(t)s
: the quality or state of being reluctant
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