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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Is his reluctance to use a specialist centre-forward counter-productive? Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025 America First Legal, which touts itself as a counter to the American Civil Liberties Union, recently issued letters to police leaders in Los Angeles and San Diego lampooning their reluctance to aid immigration agents. Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2025 However, Western sanctions have added obstacles to the trading partnership with banks in China halting payments with some Russian lenders and a growing reluctance to purchase Russian oil. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 Despite the significant strides the Asian community has made in recent years, Keyvan noted that the visibility of other minority groups continues to lag in Hollywood, in large part because of the studios’ reluctance to commit fully to having diverse ensembles. Max Gao, NBC News, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for reluctance 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reluctance was circa 1628

Dictionary Entries Near reluctance

Cite this Entry

“Reluctance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reluctance. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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