re ‧ luc ‧ tance AC /rɪˈlʌktəns/ BrE AmE noun [singular, uncountable]
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ reluctance ; adverb : ↑ reluctantly ; adjective : ↑ reluctant ]
when someone is unwilling to do something, or when they do something slowly to show that they are not very willing:
Wells finally agreed, but with reluctance.
reluctance to do something
a reluctance to share information
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
▪ great/deep/extreme reluctance
He said the firm had made the job cuts with great reluctance.
▪ considerable reluctance
There was considerable reluctance to question the chairman's judgment.
▪ marked reluctance (=great and noticeable)
People showed a marked reluctance to accept that the situation was serious.
▪ obvious reluctance
‘OK,’ he said, with obvious reluctance.
▪ understandable/natural reluctance
He had an understandable reluctance to accuse his friend of lying.
▪ initial reluctance
Despite some initial reluctance, they approved the plan.
▪ a certain reluctance
He showed a certain reluctance to come tonight.