reticence to change

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence 'reticence to change' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'reticence to change' to refer to a reluctance to alter or accept something different. For example: "John's reticence to change the company policy caused a lot of tension in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But if we storm in, convinced of our own inherent moral superiority, proclaiming that everything others believe is misguided and detrimental to society, we will be met always with hostility and reticence to change.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The reticence of donors and international agencies to change the way they work was recognised in the recent report, Looking Beyond the Crisis, from the Future Humanitarian Financing.

The Guardian

"We have never discussed this," writes Frances, of her friend Olivia's dislike of another woman, Alix, and fondness for Alix's husband Nick, "because on some matters reticence is preferable, particularly when feelings are liable to change.

The Guardian - Books

Yet what Japan and Tokyo need to change most is a lingering reticence to letting the rest of the world in.

Forbes

Uncertainty aggravated my reticence: I wasn't even sure if I was really ready to change career paths.

Science Magazine

Philadelphia manager John Hackworth is maintaining his customary reticence to discuss potential lineup changes this week, but he has implied he's more open to tinkering than he has been all year.

The Guardian - Sport

But today, officials in at least seven nations have started working with the African Society of Toxinology on subsidy, training, and education programs, foreshadowing a possible sea change in countries' reticence to acknowledge or seriously, openly tackle snakebites.

Vice

Although we offer a number of positive examples from different fields of biology, we also recognise that reticence to data sharing still exists, and that change must be driven from within research communities in order to create future science that is fit for purpose in the digital age.

BMC Ecology

Frustrated by perceived federal reticence to act on the growing scientific evidence of climate change, state governments and environmentalists are increasingly turning their attention to the courts.

Environmental Health Perspectives

He attributed his reticence to a painful childhood.

The New Yorker

"People have a reticence to eating insects," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing organizational or personal development, use "reticence to change" to highlight a cautious or hesitant approach, rather than outright refusal. This nuanced phrasing encourages understanding and dialogue.

Common error

Avoid using "reticence to change" when the context implies active opposition or sabotage. "Reticence" suggests a passive hesitation, while "resistance" indicates an active effort to prevent change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reticence to change" functions as a noun phrase, specifically describing a state of unwillingness or hesitation toward adopting new methods or alterations. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, and it's often used to identify an obstacle or challenge in processes requiring adaptation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reticence to change" effectively describes a hesitation or unwillingness to embrace new methods or alterations. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While this phrase is generally neutral to formal in tone, understanding when and how to address this reticence is essential for fostering progress and adaptation. By recognizing the distinction between reticence and active resistance, and by offering practical tips for navigating these situations, we can encourage more effective communication and facilitate smoother transitions. Alternatives include phrases like "unwillingness to adapt" and "reluctance to modify", each offering subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unwillingness to adapt

Focuses on the lack of desire to adjust to new conditions.

reluctance to modify

Highlights the hesitancy in making alterations to something.

resistance to transformation

Emphasizes opposition to a complete change in form or nature.

opposition to alteration

Directly points to a stance against making changes.

hesitation to evolve

Suggests a pause or delay in the process of gradual development.

disinclination to shift

Highlights a lack of inclination to move or change position.

aversion to adjustment

Indicates a strong dislike or avoidance of making adjustments.

inhibited from changing

Implies being restricted or prevented from making changes.

restrained from adaptation

Suggests a controlled or suppressed reluctance to adapt.

circumspect about evolution

Emphasizes caution and careful consideration regarding gradual development.

FAQs

How can I use "reticence to change" in a sentence?

You can use "reticence to change" to describe a hesitation or unwillingness to adopt new methods, ideas, or systems. For example, "The team's "reticence to change" their workflow slowed down the project."

What are some alternatives to "reticence to change"?

Alternatives include "unwillingness to adapt", "reluctance to modify", or "resistance to transformation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "reticence for change" grammatically correct?

No, the correct preposition to use with "reticence" in this context is "to". Therefore, "reticence to change" is grammatically correct, while "reticence for change" is not.

What's the difference between "reticence to change" and "resistance to change"?

"Reticence to change" implies a hesitancy or cautiousness, while "resistance to change" suggests a more active and forceful opposition. The former is passive, the latter is active.