reluctance — unwillingness or disinclination to do something
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: unwillingness or disinclination to do something
Pronunciation (IPA): /rɪˈlʌktəns/
Example Sentences
- My cat's reluctance to take a bath is legendary in our neighborhood.
- Despite his initial reluctance, he eventually agreed to give a speech.
- There's a certain reluctance among students to wake up early for morning classes.
reluctance
NOUN[/rɪˈlʌktəns/]
unwillingness or disinclination to do something

His reluctance is obvious as he slowly signs the resignation letter.

Reluctance to dance means missing your chance!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This word derives from Latin reluctari, formed from re- (again, back) and luctari (to struggle, to resist). The original sense of 'struggling against' or 'resisting' evolved into the meaning 'to show aversion' or 'to hesitate'.
Breakdown
re- (again, back) + luctari (to struggle, resist) → reluctari (to struggle against, to resist). The suffix -ance was later added to form the noun reluctance, denoting the quality or state of resisting or showing unwillingness.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat's reluctance to take a bath is legendary in our neighborhood.”
“Despite his initial reluctance, he eventually agreed to give a speech.”
“There's a certain reluctance among students to wake up early for morning classes.”
“His reluctance to admit he was wrong made the argument last for hours.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.