reluctance
UK: rɪˈlʌktəns | US: rɪˈlʌktəns
n. unwillingness or disinclination to do something
n. (physics) opposition to magnetic flux in a material
reluctance = re<against> + luct<struggle> + ance<noun suffix>
- re: Prefix meaning "against" or "back" (from Latin re-).
- luct: Root derived from Latin luctari ("to struggle").
- ance: Noun-forming suffix indicating a state or quality (from Latin -antia).
Etymology Origin:
The word "reluctance" traces back to Latin reluctari ("to struggle against"), combining re- (against) and luctari (to wrestle). It originally described physical resistance but evolved metaphorically to denote mental or emotional opposition. The physics sense (magnetic resistance) emerged in the 19th century by analogy with the concept of "opposing force."
She showed obvious reluctance to accept the promotion.
His reluctance to speak publicly stemmed from shyness.
The team overcame their initial reluctance and embraced the new strategy.
Magnetic reluctance affects the efficiency of electrical transformers.
Despite her reluctance, she agreed to attend the meeting.