reluctance
reluctance — noun
1. the feeling of not wanting to do something, often shown by hesitation or delay w
the feeling of not wanting to do something, often shown by hesitation or delay when the action feels unpleasant, difficult, or uncomfortable
Roya showed great reluctance when her manager asked her to work on weekends.
adjective + reluctance: great reluctance
Theo finally signed up for the swimming class despite his initial reluctance.
preposition: despite + reluctance
Mei-Lin overcame her reluctance to speak English after joining the conversation club.
Aisha accepted the transfer with reluctance, knowing she would miss her close friends.
The children showed clear reluctance when their mother told them to clean their room.
- unwillingness
the closest synonym; slightly more direct and less formal than reluctance
- hesitancy
focuses on being uncertain or slow to act, rather than actively not wanting to
- resistance
stronger and more active than reluctance; implies fighting or pushing back against something
- disinclination
more formal and less common; suggests a mild lack of enthusiasm rather than strong unwillingness
- willingness
the direct opposite — being ready and happy to do something
- eagerness
enthusiastic willingness, stronger than simple willingness
- enthusiasm
strong excitement and interest in doing something
文法句型
reluctance + to-infinitive
adjective + reluctance
with reluctance
用法筆記
Reluctance is an uncountable noun and is most commonly followed by a to-infinitive ('reluctance to do something'). The fixed phrase 'with reluctance' describes an action done unwillingly. Common adjective partners include 'great', 'clear', 'obvious', and 'initial'. Unlike 'resistance', which suggests active opposition or fighting back, reluctance implies a passive unwillingness — the person hesitates or delays but may eventually agree.