Reluctance — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ri-ˈlək-tən(t)s/ re·luc·tance

Meaning & Definition of Reluctance

Reluctance (noun)

  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

Reluctance (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a lack of willingness or desire to do or accept something

    "the mice showed an odd reluctance to eat the cheese we had put out for them"

    similar: disinclination, hesitance, hesitancy, reticence, unwillingness
    related: faltering, fence-sitting, hesitation, indecision, irresolution, shilly-shallying, staggering, vacillation, wavering, wobbling, distrust, distrustfulness, doubt, incertitude, misdoubt, misgiving, mistrust, mistrustfulness, skepticism, suspicion, uncertainness, uncertainty
    opposite: inclination, willingness
    near: assurance, assuredness, certainty, certitude, conviction, positiveness, sureness, surety

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Reluctance

The most common words with a similar meaning to Reluctance:

disinclination, hesitance, hesitancy, reticence, unwillingness

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Reluctance

Words with the opposite meaning of Reluctance:

inclination, willingness

Related Words for Reluctance

faltering, fence-sitting, hesitation, indecision, irresolution, shilly-shallying, staggering, vacillation, wavering, wobbling, distrust, distrustfulness, doubt, incertitude, misdoubt, misgiving, mistrust, mistrustfulness, skepticism, suspicion, uncertainness, uncertainty

Near Antonyms of Reluctance

assurance, assuredness, certainty, certitude, conviction, positiveness, sureness, surety

Origin & Etymology of Reluctance

First known use: circa 1628

Frequently Asked Questions about Reluctance

What does "Reluctance" mean?

"Reluctance" means the quality or state of being reluctant. As a noun, it is defined as: the quality or state of being reluctant.

What is another word for "Reluctance"?

Other words for "Reluctance" include disinclination, hesitance, hesitancy, reticence and unwillingness. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Reluctance" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Reluctance"?

There are 27 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Reluctance". Common alternatives include disinclination, hesitance, hesitancy, reticence and unwillingness.

What is the opposite of "Reluctance"?

Antonyms of "Reluctance" include inclination and willingness. Near antonyms include assurance, assuredness, certainty and certitude.

How do you use "Reluctance" in a sentence?

Examples of "Reluctance" in a sentence: "the mice showed an odd reluctance to eat the cheese we had put out for them".

Is "Reluctance" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Reluctance" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Reluctance"?

"Reluctance" is pronounced /ri-ˈlək-tən(t)s/ and divided into syllables as re·luc·tance.

What is the origin of the word "Reluctance"?

First known use: circa 1628.