reluctance
Her reluctance to speak in public was obvious.
It was clear she was unwilling to speak in front of others.
The state of being unwilling or hesitant to do something.
The manager expressed reluctance to approve the budget increase.
The manager showed hesitation in agreeing to the budget increase.
There is some reluctance among employees to adopt the new software.
Some employees are hesitant to start using the new software.
Often used to describe resistance or hesitation in a formal or professional context.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Avoid common mistakes
Do not confuse 'reluctance' with 'reticence,' which means being silent or reserved, not necessarily unwilling.
Gold Rule
Use with 'to' + verb
Always follow 'reluctance' with 'to' and a verb (e.g., 'reluctance to change').
Word Origin
From Latin 'reluctant-' (present participle of 'reluctari'), meaning 'to struggle against,' combining 're-' (back, against) and 'luctari' (to struggle). First used in English in the 17th century.
Usage Notes
Reluctance implies a passive resistance rather than active opposition. It is often used in formal contexts, such as negotiations, decision-making, or behavioral descriptions.