reluctance to settle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reluctance to settle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a hesitation or unwillingness to accept a situation or compromise. Example: "Her reluctance to settle for anything less than perfection often led to delays in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Hence the employers' reluctance to settle too high.

The Economist

Reports last month said the high-profile pair were close to separating because of the racing driver's reluctance to settle down.

Independent

This chop and change suggests a reluctance to settle, not merely in a choice of genres but often in the mood space of a single film.

The New Yorker

The balance of evidence suggests that he did have sexual relationships with men as well as women, but it could be argued that his amorous or sexual preferences were defined by his conspicuous reluctance to settle with any one partner.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lack of encouragement may be the cause, or it may be something inherently skittish about whichever muse presides over this delicate art: a reluctance to settle anywhere long enough to generate a heavy-duty literary industry.

The Guardian - Books

A lawsuit filed against New York City by the five men who were convicted, and later exonerated, in the racially charged 1989 Central Park jogger rape case is a decade old, and the city's reluctance to settle the case has attracted widespread criticism, even from other city officials.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"Her reluctance (or inability) to settle on a single defining image serves in retrospect as a cogent critique of Abstract Expressionism," Mr. Hobbs asserts.

The New York Times - Arts

The failure of successive governments to promote the benefits of the grazing reserves and the persisting Fulani traditional dependency on transhumant practice also contributed to the initial reluctance of pastoralists to settle in the reserve.

Pastoralism

Indeed, its reluctance to open up its software secrets to others has been a stumbling block in the continuing efforts to settle an antitrust action brought by the American government against the firm for abusing its PC software monopoly.

The Economist

Serious matters to settle".

The New Yorker

She refused to settle.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reluctance to settle", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the subject is unwilling to accept or compromise on. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "reluctance to settle" without specifying the object of the reluctance. Saying someone has a "reluctance to settle" without context leaves the reader wondering what they are unwilling to settle for or on.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reluctance to settle" functions as a noun phrase describing a state of unwillingness or hesitation to accept a compromise or reach a final agreement. Examples provided by Ludwig show this phrase used in contexts ranging from labor negotiations to personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reluctance to settle" effectively communicates an unwillingness or hesitation to accept a compromise or final agreement. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears in various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While the phrase is suitable for both written and spoken communication, it's important to provide context to clarify what the reluctance pertains to. Alternatives like "unwillingness to compromise" or "hesitation to commit" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. Knowing when and how to use "reluctance to settle" correctly will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unwillingness to compromise

Focuses on the lack of willingness to find a middle ground or agreement.

hesitation to commit

Highlights the wavering or pausing before making a firm decision or promise.

disinclination to agree

Emphasizes a lack of enthusiasm or desire to concur or align with something.

avoidance of resolution

Indicates an active effort to steer clear of finding a solution or concluding a matter.

aversion to stability

Suggests a dislike or opposition to a state of being fixed or unchanging.

resistance to concluding

Highlights opposition to bringing something to an end or reaching a final point.

indecision about finalizing

Focuses on the inability to make a firm decision about completing or making something definite.

opposition to consensus

Indicates disagreement with the idea of a general agreement.

wavering on closure

Emphasizes a fluctuation or unsteadiness regarding bringing something to an end.

shrinking from commitment

Highlights an avoidance of becoming bound to a particular course of action.

FAQs

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

You can use "reluctance to settle" to describe someone's unwillingness to accept a compromise or a final decision. For example, "The company's "reluctance to settle" the lawsuit led to further delays."

What are some alternatives to "reluctance to settle"?

Alternatives include "unwillingness to compromise", "hesitation to commit", or "disinclination to agree", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "reluctance to settle" or "refusal to settle"?

"Reluctance to settle" implies a hesitation or unwillingness, while "refusal to settle" suggests a more definite and active rejection. The best choice depends on the degree of opposition you want to convey.

What does it mean when someone has a "reluctance to settle" in a relationship?

In the context of relationships, a "reluctance to settle" often indicates an unwillingness to commit to a long-term, stable relationship or to make the necessary compromises for a lasting partnership.