reluctance
word
Definition
A feeling of being unwilling or not wanting to do something; when you hesitate or feel slow to act because you do not really want to.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in slightly formal or written contexts. Common phrases: 'with reluctance', 'show reluctance', 'overcome reluctance'. Refers to unwillingness but not active refusal. Do not confuse with 'refusal', which is stronger.
Spanish: renuencia - desganaPortuguese (BR): relutância - resistênciaPortuguese (PT): relutância - resistênciaChinese (Simplified): 不情愿 - 勉强Chinese (Traditional): 不情願 - 勉強Hindi: अनिच्छाArabic: تردد - عدم رغبةBengali: অনিচ্ছা - অপ্রীতিRussian: нежелание - неохотаJapanese: 不本意 - ためらいVietnamese: sự miễn cưỡng - sự do dựKorean: 꺼림칙함 - 내키지 않음Turkish: isteksizlik - gönülsüzlükUrdu: ہچکچاہٹ - عدم رغبتIndonesian: keengganan - rasa enggan
Example Sentences
He showed reluctance to answer the question.
basic
Her reluctance was clear when she declined the offer.
basic
The child's reluctance to eat vegetables surprised his parents.
basic
Despite his reluctance, he agreed to help with the project.
natural
She signed the contract, but her reluctance was obvious.
natural
There was a little reluctance in his voice when he accepted the invitation.
natural