reluctance

American  

[ri-luhk-tuhns] / rɪˈlʌk təns /

Sometimes reluctancy

noun

1. unwillingness; disinclination.

   reluctance to speak in public.

2. Electricity. the resistance to magnetic flux offered by a magnetic circuit, determined by the permeability and arrangement of the materials of the circuit.

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reluctance British  

/ rɪˈlʌktəns /

noun

1. lack of eagerness or willingness; disinclination

2. physics a measure of the resistance of a closed magnetic circuit to a magnetic flux, equal to the ratio of the magnetomotive force to the magnetic flux

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Other Word Forms

• prereluctance noun

Etymology

Origin of reluctance

First recorded in 1635–45; reluct(ant) + -ance

Example Sentences

So you can understand, if not necessarily agree with, their reluctance to drop out and call it a day, in the hope that, just maybe, that proverbial bolt of lightning will strike.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

To address investor reluctance for the Pershing Square USA IPO, Ackman will offer free shares in his hedge-fund firm to participants.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

The new target suggests a tolerance for slower, quality growth, but signals reluctance for significant new stimulus.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

But in both countries, there seems to be a considerable reluctance to have higher or lower income tax than across the English border.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

Sniffing, groaning, shaking his head, Gwystyl with great reluctance heaved the doorway open to its full width.

From "The Black Cauldron" by Lloyd Alexander

Related Words

• hesitancy
• hesitation
• objection
• unwillingness