reluctance

/rɪˈlʌktəns/
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A force of resistance, felt as unwillingness in a person or encountered by magnetic flux in a circuit.

Examples

  • After some initial reluctance, the neighbors supported the plan.
  • Engineers reduced reluctance by choosing a more permeable material.
  • The air gap greatly increases the magnetic reluctance of the core.
  • Why is there so much reluctance to discuss the cost openly?
  • A longer flux path usually produces greater reluctance.

Similar words

hesitation
disinclination
unwillingness
magnetic resistance
resistance
reservation
aversion
hesitancy

Meanings

Unwillingness to act

noun
emotions
neutral
A feeling of not wanting to do something, often accompanied by hesitation or doubt.

Examples

  • She agreed to lead the project, but only with considerable reluctance.
  • His reluctance to ask for help made the problem worse.
  • Why is there so much reluctance to discuss the cost openly?
  • The children showed no reluctance about trying the new food.
  • After some initial reluctance, the neighbors supported the plan.

Similar words

Opposition to magnetic flux

noun
physics
technical
The opposition a magnetic circuit presents to the formation of magnetic flux, similar to resistance in an electrical circuit.

Examples

  • The air gap greatly increases the magnetic reluctance of the core.
  • Engineers reduced reluctance by choosing a more permeable material.
  • Does the magnetic circuit have enough reluctance to limit the flux?
  • A longer flux path usually produces greater reluctance.
  • The model treats magnetic reluctance as analogous to electrical resistance.

Similar words

Etymology

Recorded in English from the 1640s, first for the act of struggling against something and soon afterward for unwillingness. It comes from the obsolete verb reluct, from Latin reluctari, meaning to struggle against or resist.

FAQ

What does reluctance mean?

Reluctance usually means unwillingness or hesitation about doing something.

How is reluctance used with a verb?

The usual pattern is reluctance to followed by the base form, as in reluctance to speak.

What does with reluctance mean?

Doing something with reluctance means doing it despite not wanting to.

What is the opposite of reluctance?

Direct opposites include willingness, eagerness, and enthusiasm.

What is magnetic reluctance?

Magnetic reluctance is the opposition a magnetic circuit gives to magnetic flux.

Where does reluctance come from?

Reluctance comes through the obsolete verb reluct from Latin reluctari, meaning to struggle against or resist.

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