Word
reluctance
Phoneticsre·luc·tance, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹiˈɫəktəns/
UK/ɹɪlˈʌktəns/
Definitions
01unwillingness
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the feeling of not wanting to do something, often because you are worried or disagree with it.
n. a state of psychological unwillingness or disinclination to perform an action. Often used with the preposition 'to' followed by an infinitive.
“She agreed to help, but her reluctance was clear from the look on her face.”
“The board expressed considerable reluctance to approve the merger, citing concerns over long-term debt and cultural compatibility between the two firms.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02magnetic resistance
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. how much a material resists the flow of magnetic energy.
n. the property of a magnetic circuit that opposes the passage of magnetic flux, analogous to electrical resistance in a conductor.
Español:reluctancia
“Air has a high reluctance, which makes it difficult for magnetic fields to pass through it.”
“Engineers must calculate the total reluctance of the transformer core to ensure the magnetic flux is maintained at efficient levels.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage
Often followed by the infinitive 'to' ('reluctance to do something').
Pitfall
his reluctance of helping
his reluctance to help
Reluctance is followed by a 'to-infinitive' rather than the preposition 'of' and a gerund.
Real-World Examples
“Australia’s initial reluctance to join early European criticism of Infantino drew concern from some in the Australian football community.” “These profit generators are a result of our reluctance to accept the responsibility and risks of giving children love and real care.” Etymology
From reluct + -ance.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/reluctance
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0