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 Distrust of the medical system is also a key factor in the reluctance of Black men to get a prostate screening. Taayoo Murray, Essence, 7 June 2024 Read More Zelensky Interview: In an interview with The New York Times, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine challenged the West over its reluctance to take bolder action. Matina Stevis-Gridneff, New York Times, 7 June 2024 Read Next Cuba Political prisoners are main obstacle to better relations with Cuba, U.S. diplomat says January 31, 2023 4:27 PM U.S. diplomats have said Cuba’s reluctance to release the political prisoners is the most important obstacle to better relations between the two countries. Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 5 June 2024 Trilochan Sastry, founder-member of the Association for Democratic Reforms, says the commission’s reluctance to prosecute those suspected of electoral bribery sends the wrong signal to political parties. Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 31 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for reluctance 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reluctance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reluctance was in 1629

Dictionary Entries Near reluctance

Cite this Entry

“Reluctance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reluctance. Accessed 11 Jun. 2024.

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

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