hesitant

adjective

hes·i·tant ˈhe-zə-tənt

: slow to act or proceed (as from fear, indecision, or unwillingness) : tending to hesitate : showing or feeling reluctance or hesitation

took a hesitant step towards the door

hesitant about accepting the job

hesitantly adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for hesitant

disinclined, hesitant, reluctant, loath, averse mean lacking the will or desire to do something indicated.

disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination.

disinclined to move again

disinclined for reading

hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty.

hesitant about asking for a date

reluctant implies a holding back through unwillingness.

a reluctant witness

loath implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking.

seems loath to trust anyone

averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance.

averse to hard work

not averse to an occasional drink

Examples of hesitant in a Sentence

She took a hesitant step back from the door. He seems hesitant about accepting the job.

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The incident report states the victim is uncooperative and was hesitant to press charges or speak about this case. —

Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 22 Dec. 2024 While DeYoung is hesitant to give too much away, fans of Robinson's work can probably imagine how this budding friendship turns sour. —

Mike Miller, EW.com, 20 Dec. 2024 But with the Dodgers being hesitant to swing a deal, the Padres could steal him before Los Angeles gets a chance. —

Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024 According to the report, the employee was hesitant to give a statement about the incident. —

Jolene Almendarez, The Courier-Journal, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hesitant