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
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 bigger issue is the Sox’s continued reluctance to spend big.
—
Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
His reluctance to promote democracy overseas could shade into disregard for democratic norms at home, potentially resulting in irreversible damage to the nation’s representative institutions.
—Charles A. Kupchan, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
For all the valorization of courage, the show’s reluctance to tackle harder issues head-on feels rather toothless.
—Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Jan. 2025
In the Renick household, Gemma's reluctance has turned into a playful ritual.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for reluctance 
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Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
His reluctance to promote democracy overseas could shade into disregard for democratic norms at home, potentially resulting in irreversible damage to the nation’s representative institutions.
—Charles A. Kupchan, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
For all the valorization of courage, the show’s reluctance to tackle harder issues head-on feels rather toothless.
—Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Jan. 2025
In the Renick household, Gemma's reluctance has turned into a playful ritual.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for reluctance
Dictionary Entries Near reluctance
Cite this Entry
“Reluctance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reluctance. Accessed 18 Jan. 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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