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
The outlet noted that concerns about travel restrictions, including those from the US, and the impact on the local tourism industry may be driving the country’s reluctance to share more information.
—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
2 July 2026
Such large numbers could have been a driving factor in the reluctance or unwillingness of plan sponsors to participate in the BALANCE model as it was originally designed.
—
Joshua P. Cohen,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
But critics say recent finds have exposed gaps in the regulations and officials’ reluctance to fully wield their preservation powers.
—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
Experts say that's probably an undercount, given immigrants’ reluctance to come forward.
—
ABC News,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for reluctance
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Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
2 July 2026
Such large numbers could have been a driving factor in the reluctance or unwillingness of plan sponsors to participate in the BALANCE model as it was originally designed.
—
Joshua P. Cohen,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
But critics say recent finds have exposed gaps in the regulations and officials’ reluctance to fully wield their preservation powers.
—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
Experts say that's probably an undercount, given immigrants’ reluctance to come forward.
—
ABC News,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for reluctance
Cite this Entry
“Reluctance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reluctance. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reluctance
noun
re·luc·tance
ri-ˈlək-tən(t)s
: the quality or state of being reluctant
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