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

The article acknowledges that even with formal policies in place, resistance and non-compliance have persisted, noting that colleagues have attempted workarounds or expressed reluctance to accept accountability despite clear consequences. —Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026

To explain Catherine’s initial reluctance to share her dad’s mathematical masterpiece with Hal (and the rest of academia) would be to spoil far too much of Proof‘s first-act leap and second act plot. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026

Trump has disparaged the United States' NATO allies for their reluctance to join the war. —ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026

While historically, there’s been a reluctance among early investors to get into defense, that is now changing as a result of recent developments. —Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2026

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