Reluctance
/rɪˈlʌktəns/
Definitions
An unwillingness or disinclination to do something.
/rɪˈlʌktəns/
The state of being unwilling or hesitant to do something.
He showed a marked reluctance to accept the offer.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend is trying to get you to try a new food you're not sure about. If you're not eager, but you might do it anyway, you're showing reluctance! It's that feeling of not really wanting to do something.
👶 For kids: When you don't really want to do something, but you might do it anyway.
More Examples
Her initial reluctance faded as she saw the benefits.
The government's reluctance to intervene was criticized.
Despite his reluctance, he agreed to help.
How It's Used
"She showed a reluctance to leave her home."
"The company's reluctance to invest in new technology hindered its growth."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
with reluctance
Doing something unwillingly or hesitantly.
"She agreed to the proposal with reluctance."
From Latin *reluctantem* (nominative *reluctans*), present participle of *reluctari* 'to struggle against, resist'.
The word gained prominence in the 17th century, reflecting growing social and political complexities and individual agency.
Memory tip
Think of a *reluctant* cat that is not willing to go into the water. That unwillingness is *reluctance*.
Word Origin
"to struggle against, resist"