reluctance

noun

re·​luc·​tance ri-ˈlək-tən(t)s How to pronounce reluctance (audio)
Synonyms of reluctance
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

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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.
But rising costs and a reluctance to return to social spaces after the pandemic have hit restaurants hard in an already challenging industry. — Whitney Eulich, Christian Science Monitor, 29 Aug. 2026 But according to emails obtained by the I-Team, implementing the programs in some districts has been met with resistance or reluctance. — Kelsy Mittauer, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 In stopping short of imposing sanctions on the Egyptian bank, the move signals the Republican administration's reluctance to penalize major trading partners that do business with Iran, including China and India. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 But investors are nervous about his reluctance to offer a roadmap. — Scott Horsley, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for reluctance

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Reluctance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reluctance. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reluctance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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