noun
Uncommon
reluctance
rih-LUHK-tuhns
Reluctance (noun) means Unwillingness or hesitation to do something. Example: “He agreed, but with obvious reluctance.”
noun
1
Unwillingness or hesitation to do something.
"Our new dog shows reluctance to go on walks, preferring to be indoors."
"He agreed, but with obvious reluctance."
"Her reluctance to speak in public held her back at work."
How to use reluctance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hesitance or unwillingness to do something.
Common pairings
show reluctance
with reluctance
overcome reluctance
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Word forms
- Plural
- reluctances
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He agreed, but with obvious _____.
Etymology
From reluct (an older verb meaning "to struggle against") plus the noun-forming suffix -ance, ultimately from Latin reluctari, "to struggle against, resist."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for reluctance
See all rhymes for reluctance →Frequently asked questions
What does “reluctance” mean?
The word “reluctance” means unwillingness or hesitation to do something. In plain terms, a hesitance or unwillingness to do something.
How do you pronounce “reluctance”?
“Reluctance” is pronounced rih-LUHK-tuhns (/ɹɪˈlʌktəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “reluctance” in a sentence?
Here is “reluctance” used in a sentence: “He agreed, but with obvious reluctance.”
What part of speech is “reluctance”?
“Reluctance” is a noun.
Where does the word “reluctance” come from?
The word “reluctance” comes from Latin. From reluct (an older verb meaning "to struggle against") plus the noun-forming suffix -ance, ultimately from Latin reluctari, "to struggle against, resist.".
Is “reluctance” a common word?
“Reluctance” is an uncommon word in modern English.
