reluctancy

noun

re·​luc·​tan·​cy ri-ˈlək-tən(t)-sē How to pronounce reluctancy (audio)
: reluctance

Examples of reluctancy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yeah, from her demeanor, from her reluctancy, not wanting to talk to us … absolutely. — CBS News, 6 June 2020 Golden State's reluctancy to meet in the middle with Kuminga has given people reason to speculate how much the team truly values the 22-year-old. — Valentina Martinez, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025 Like anywhere else in the world, reaching climate neutrality is mainly a mission for central governments and companies, but the example of Rybnik proves that ‘deep listening’ is the sine qua non to beat reluctancy and create a just society. — Emanuela Barbiroglio, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reluctancy was in 1621

Browse Nearby Words

reluctance cartridge
reluctancy
reluctant
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Cite this Entry

“Reluctancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reluctancy. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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