noun

reluctance

reluctance, unwillingness, hesitation

He showed great reluctance to sign the contract.

He showed great reluctance to sign the contract.

Her reluctance to speak was obvious.

Her reluctance to speak was obvious.

reluctance ((to-inf)) unwillingness to do sth. He showed reluctance to leave.

Synonyms: unwillingness, hesitation; Antonyms: willingness, eagerness

From Latin 're-' (against) + 'luctari' (to struggle), meaning to struggle against something.

Think of 're-lock-tance'. You keep locking the door again because you are unwilling to leave.

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