reluctance to join

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reluctance to join" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's hesitance or unwillingness to become part of a group, organization, or activity. Example: "Her reluctance to join the committee was evident during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Take employees' reluctance to join a scheme.

The Economist

A reluctance to join in was, notoriously, not his problem.

The New Yorker

The experienced man's reluctance to join the list of seven back-ups was surely anticipated.

The Guardian - Sport

His own reluctance to join a carers' support group, or to marry you before you recover, is understandable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My reluctance to join the majority is not based on any exaggerated notion of judicial deference to the Legislature.

Harvard University

By its reluctance to join the US campaign against Isis, Turkey enabled the YPG to become America's most important military ally in the Syrian war.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Throughout the affair, I used to ask friends, puzzled by the French reluctance to instantly join in the damnation of D.S.K., to try a small thought experiment: imagine that Sarah Palin, on holiday in Paris shortly before announcing for the Presidency, was arrested for shoplifting from a store on the Rue St. Honore, then marched around in handcuffs and imprisoned in the Santé.

The New Yorker

The reluctance of pilots to join Predator squadrons has been no small matter as the military prepares for a possible mission against Iraq.

The New York Times

Harassment by neighbors, warnings by employers, and the reluctance of young Japanese to join antinuclear groups have diminished their numbers.

The New York Times

This should ensure greater unity of command, though some American special forces, whose actions have at times caused controversy over the death of civilians, will continue to operate separately.NATO is still plagued by the reluctance of many allies to join the fight and the inability of others to bring more resources.

The Economist

Conversely, the Minister of Education, Steve Maharey, saw the reluctance of some providers to join the scheme as the 'problem'problem

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing institutional or widespread hesitations, specify the affected group to add clarity. Instead of saying "There's a "reluctance to join", specify the group that hesitates (e.g., "The younger generation's "reluctance to join" traditional clubs is growing.").

Common error

Avoid using "reluctance to join" without specifying the subject or context. For example, saying simply, "There is "reluctance to join"" lacks clarity. Instead, clarify who is reluctant and what they are reluctant to join, providing context for a more nuanced understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reluctance to join" functions as a noun phrase expressing a disinclination or unwillingness to become a member of or participate in something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically sound and readily employed to convey this specific meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

19%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reluctance to join" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for expressing a lack of willingness to participate or associate with something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its versatility makes it suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from news reports to academic discussions. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the subject and object of the reluctance. Alternatives like "hesitation to participate" or "unwillingness to engage" can add nuance, but "reluctance to join" remains a direct and effective way to convey this specific meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hesitation to participate

Focuses on the act of participating, highlighting uncertainty.

unwillingness to engage

Emphasizes a lack of desire to be involved.

disinclination to associate

Highlights a lack of desire to connect or be linked with something.

hesitancy to get involved

Focuses on the act of becoming involved, suggesting caution.

lack of enthusiasm for joining

Directly points out the absence of positive feelings about joining.

reservation about participating

Indicates underlying concerns or doubts about participating.

aversion to becoming a member

Highlights a strong dislike towards becoming part of a group or organization.

opposition to affiliation

Indicates resistance or disagreement with being associated.

resistance to uniting

Emphasizes the act of resisting or opposing the act of unification.

detachment from association

Focuses on emotional distance and disconnection with the association.

FAQs

How can I use "reluctance to join" in a sentence?

You can use "reluctance to join" to describe someone's hesitation or unwillingness to become part of a group, organization, or activity. For example: "Her "reluctance to join" the committee was evident during the meeting."

What are some alternatives to "reluctance to join"?

Alternatives include "hesitation to participate", "unwillingness to engage", or "disinclination to associate".

When is it appropriate to use "reluctance to join" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "reluctance to join" in formal writing when discussing a formal organization, group, or activity. However, in less formal contexts, more conversational alternatives may be suitable.

What are the potential reasons behind a "reluctance to join" something?

Reasons can vary widely, including fear of commitment, disagreement with the organization's goals, lack of trust in the leadership, or simply a preference for other activities. The specific context will greatly influence the reasons behind the reluctance.