reluctance

Sometimes re·luc·tan·cy

[ri-luhk-tuhns]

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.

reluctance

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• prereluctance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of reluctance¹

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

Example Sentences

There now appears to be a reluctance from the London club to pay Sterling up.

From BBC

"There seems to be a big reluctance because of the nature of the work, people find it difficult to be associated with it."

From BBC

Various other theories have been put forward including the existence of a macho, hard-partying culture; a reluctance, especially among men, to seek mental health support; and even the country's long, dark winters.

From BBC

The metaphor is frequently invoked to explain the reluctance or unwillingness to notice or do anything about pollution or anthropogenic climate change.

From Salon

Where the film occasionally falters by Russell’s reluctance to twist the knife, it also succeeds in its director’s admirable commitment to realism.

From Salon

Related Words

• hesitancy 
• hesitation 
• objection 
• unwillingness www.thesaurus.com