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
Indeed, behind all of this is the administration's reluctance to support Ukraine, which allies might see as applying to themselves, and China might see as applying to Taiwan.
—
Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Women’s reluctance to compete has been well-documented.
—Kim Elsesser, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
An ambitious carbon tax is far from a foregone conclusion, however, with observers citing concerns over sweeping U.S. tariffs, a brewing global trade war and reluctance from members firmly opposed to any kind of levy structure.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
The willful reluctance of Western policymakers to recognize the importance of cognitive warfare carries the risk of irreversible losses in power and influence worldwide, the key factors that determine strategic outcomes in global competition.
—Michael Miklaucic, Twin Cities, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reluctance
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Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Women’s reluctance to compete has been well-documented.
—Kim Elsesser, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
An ambitious carbon tax is far from a foregone conclusion, however, with observers citing concerns over sweeping U.S. tariffs, a brewing global trade war and reluctance from members firmly opposed to any kind of levy structure.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
The willful reluctance of Western policymakers to recognize the importance of cognitive warfare carries the risk of irreversible losses in power and influence worldwide, the key factors that determine strategic outcomes in global competition.
—Michael Miklaucic, Twin Cities, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reluctance
Cite this Entry
“Reluctance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reluctance. Accessed 22 Apr. 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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