clear reluctance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clear reluctance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a noticeable or evident unwillingness to do something. Example: "Despite the team's enthusiasm, there was a clear reluctance from the management to approve the new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The 1.8 million births revealed a clear reluctance to start labor around the festival of the dead.

The New York Times

The sanctions haven't driven a return to democracy, and there is clear reluctance among Melanesians to isolate Fiji.

The Guardian

A shortcoming of the book and exhibition is a clear reluctance to delve into the politics of what was to be a devastating period of British architecture.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Lippin, not about to be bullied by someone who had arrived with a clear reluctance to accept the staff, immediately pointed out the competence of his colleagues.

The New York Times

However, there is now a clear reluctance to offer outright condemnation, too, and the careful, wishy-washy language these politicians use shows an awareness that they are swimming against the tide of rapidly evolving public opinion.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There have been some instances of clear reluctance on the part of some partners in those consortia – this should do a great deal to allay any fears they have about what having a UK partner means for the project.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Interior Secretary Gale Norton has made clear her reluctance to designate new wilderness, and Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman has weakened protections in the national forests.

The New York Times

Johnson, who has made clear his reluctance to introduce more Home Office legislation than is absolutely necessary, will continue to focus on the drive to tackle antisocial behaviour over the next six months.

The Guardian

"Lewis was made aware of the importance that the board attached to sharing the information with the ICC (and later with the police), although records make clear Lewis' reluctance for this to happen.

The Guardian - Sport

And, as our special report makes clear, her reluctance to lead Europe is widely shared by her compatriots.In this section Secrets, lies and America's spies The reluctant hegemon Not so super Ruinous promises Art of darkness Reprints Related topics European markets Financial markets World markets German economy European economyAs a result, Europe is drifting towards disaster.

The Economist

As the race progressed at a fierce pace, Britain's tactics became clear: a reluctance to get riders into the moves being made off the fractured front of the group, in favour of an ambition to control proceedings throughout.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clear reluctance" when you want to emphasize that the unwillingness is easily noticeable and not subtle. This phrase is suitable for situations where the reluctance is openly expressed or demonstrated.

Common error

Avoid using "clear reluctance" when a milder form of hesitation is more appropriate. Overusing this phrase can make the subjects sound more resistant than they actually are.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear reluctance" functions as a noun phrase that describes a readily apparent unwillingness or hesitation. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clear reluctance" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe an obvious unwillingness or hesitation. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its versatility makes it suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. When employing this phrase, ensure that the level of reluctance is accurately portrayed, avoiding overstatements that could misrepresent the situation. Consider alternatives like "obvious hesitation" or "evident unwillingness" to add nuance, and follow best practices to effectively convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obvious hesitation

Replaces "reluctance" with a synonym emphasizing a pause or delay due to uncertainty.

evident unwillingness

Substitutes both "clear" and "reluctance" with near-synonyms, focusing on a lack of desire.

marked disinclination

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey a strong lack of enthusiasm.

noticeable aversion

Highlights a feeling of intense dislike or repugnance.

distinct lack of enthusiasm

Emphasizes the absence of positive feelings toward something.

apparent hesitance

Focuses on the outward display of being slow or unwilling to act.

plain resistance

Indicates a straightforward refusal to accept or comply.

unmistakable opposition

Stresses a clear and undeniable stance against something.

pronounced objection

Highlights a formal or explicit expression of disapproval.

visible demurral

Implies a formal or polite refusal or objection.

FAQs

How can I use "clear reluctance" in a sentence?

You can use "clear reluctance" to describe a situation where someone is visibly unwilling to do something. For example: "There was a clear reluctance to invest in the project due to its high risk."

What are some alternatives to "clear reluctance"?

Some alternatives include "obvious hesitation", "evident unwillingness", or "noticeable aversion". Each carries a slightly different connotation, so choose the one that best fits your context.

Is there a difference between "clear reluctance" and "slight reluctance"?

"Clear reluctance" implies a readily apparent unwillingness, while "slight reluctance" suggests a milder, less noticeable hesitation. The choice depends on the degree of unwillingness you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "clear reluctance"?

Use "clear reluctance" when the unwillingness is not only present but also easily perceived by others. It suggests a noticeable lack of enthusiasm or a visible resistance to a particular action or idea.