# reluctance

/ɹiˈɫəktəns/ (US) · /ɹɪlˈʌktəns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reluctance
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. unwillingness

noun · CEFR B2

the feeling of not wanting to do something, often because you are worried or disagree with it.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Commonly followed by 'to' + infinitive (e.g., reluctance to go) or 'about' + noun (e.g., reluctance about the plan).

### 2. magnetic resistance

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

how much a material resists the flow of magnetic energy.

For teachers: the property of a magnetic circuit that opposes the passage of magnetic flux, analogous to electrical resistance in a conductor.

- 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.

Usage: Usually uncountable in this technical context.

Teaching tip: This is a highly specialized term in physics and electrical engineering; most learners only need the 'unwillingness' sense.

## Examples

- She showed great reluctance to leave the party.
- Despite his reluctance to speak in public, the manager gave a short speech to thank the team.
- The government's reluctance to intervene in the market led to a period of significant price volatility that frustrated both consumers and producers.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.