reluctance of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reluctance of" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It often functions as a noun phrase, indicating a feeling or unwillingness to do something. Example: The reluctance of the students to participate in the school's annual talent show was evident in their lack of sign-ups.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Why the reluctance of Romney and Giuliani?

The New Yorker

The agreement reflects the reluctance of lawmakers to police themselves.

The New York Times

The reluctance of banks to lend has hurt automakers.

The New York Times

The reluctance of Mr. Romney and his team may be warranted.

The New York Times

Hence the reluctance of most nations to commit to cutting carbon.

The New Yorker

The seeming reluctance of Greenberg's successors at A.I.G. to listen to him may be understandable.

The New Yorker

Mr. Gans ascribes that to simple reluctance of American builders to try new technologies.

The New York Times

The reluctance of a magnetic circuit is analogous to the resistance of an electric circuit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Almost as disturbing was the continuing reluctance of people to apply for mortgages.

The New York Times

"I understand the reluctance of social workers to act until medical professionals have seen the children.

Independent

The reluctance of a handful of countries cannot derail this vitally important trend.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reluctance of", ensure the sentence clearly identifies who is reluctant and what they are reluctant to do. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "reluctance of" when a stronger term like "opposition" or "refusal" is more appropriate. "Reluctance" implies hesitation or unwillingness, not necessarily outright rejection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reluctance of" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses a feeling of unwillingness or hesitation. Examples in Ludwig show it describing the hesitancy of individuals, groups, or even entire nations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reluctance of" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to express a feeling of unwillingness or hesitation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to convey a lack of enthusiasm towards something, fitting well in neutral to formal registers. Examples found in Ludwig highlight its frequent use in "News & Media" and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to clearly identify who is reluctant and what they are reluctant to do. While alternatives like "aversion to" or "hesitation in" exist, "reluctance of" offers a balanced and widely accepted way to express this sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unwillingness to

Directly states a lack of willingness, focusing on a conscious decision not to do something.

aversion to

Emphasizes a strong dislike or disinclination, suggesting a more intense negative feeling than simple reluctance.

hesitation in

Highlights the pausing or delay before acting, indicating uncertainty or doubt.

disinclination towards

Similar to reluctance but slightly stronger, suggesting a lack of enthusiasm or motivation.

reservation about

Focuses on holding back complete agreement or acceptance, suggesting underlying doubts.

resistance to

Implies active opposition or effort to prevent something, suggesting a stronger stance than mere reluctance.

opposition to

Indicates a direct and often public disagreement or antagonism.

qualms about

Suggests feelings of unease or doubt, often related to potential negative consequences.

scruples about

Emphasizes moral or ethical concerns that cause hesitation or reluctance.

indecisiveness regarding

Highlights the lack of a firm decision, indicating a wavering or uncertain stance.

FAQs

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

You can use "reluctance of" to describe a feeling of unwillingness or hesitation. For example, "The "reluctance of" the team to adopt the new strategy was evident during the meeting".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "reluctance of"?

Alternatives to "reluctance of" include "hesitation in", "disinclination towards", or "unwillingness to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "reluctance of"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "reluctance of" is often followed by a noun or pronoun to specify who is feeling the reluctance, or a noun phrase describing what they are reluctant about.

What's the difference between "reluctance of" and "resistance to"?

"Reluctance of" implies a hesitation or unwillingness, while "resistance to" suggests active opposition or efforts to prevent something. Resistance is a stronger term.