reluctance

/rɪˈlʌktəns/ (bre, ipa) · /rɪˈlʌktəns/ (ame, ipa) · /ri-ˈlək-tən(t)s/ (ame, mw)

reluctance — 名詞

1. the feeling of not wanting to do something, often shown by hesitation or delay w

1.名詞B2
釋義

不情願

不願意做某事的心理狀態

the feeling of not wanting to do something, often shown by hesitation or delay when the action feels unpleasant, difficult, or uncomfortable

例句

Roya showed great reluctance when her manager asked her to work on weekends.

Roya 在主管要求她週末加班時表現出強烈的不情願。

adjective + reluctance: great reluctance

Theo finally signed up for the swimming class despite his initial reluctance.

Theo 最終還是報名了游泳課，儘管他一開始很不情願。

preposition: despite + reluctance

同義詞
  • unwillingness

    the closest synonym; slightly more direct and less formal than reluctance

  • hesitancy

    focuses on being uncertain or slow to act, rather than actively not wanting to

  • resistance

    stronger and more active than reluctance; implies fighting or pushing back against something

  • disinclination

    more formal and less common; suggests a mild lack of enthusiasm rather than strong unwillingness

反義詞
  • willingness

    the direct opposite — being ready and happy to do something

  • eagerness

    enthusiastic willingness, stronger than simple willingness

  • enthusiasm

    strong excitement and interest in doing something

文法句型

reluctance + to-infinitive

adjective + reluctance

with reluctance

用法筆記

Reluctance is an uncountable noun and is most commonly followed by a to-infinitive ('reluctance to do something'). The fixed phrase 'with reluctance' describes an action done unwillingly. Common adjective partners include 'great', 'clear', 'obvious', and 'initial'. Unlike 'resistance', which suggests active opposition or fighting back, reluctance implies a passive unwillingness — the person hesitates or delays but may eventually agree.

常見錯誤

❌He felt a reluctance toward the new plan.
✅He felt reluctance about the new plan.
💡'reluctance' is followed by 'to' + infinitive or 'about' + noun/-ing, not 'toward.'
❌She agreed to help, but there was reluctance in her voice.
✅She agreed to help, but there was a note of reluctance in her voice.
💡'reluctance' is uncountable but the phrase 'a note of reluctance' is a common fixed expression.