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

Synonyms

• cagey
• cagy
• disinclined
• dubious
• indisposed
• loath
• loth
• loathe
• reluctant
• reticent

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

Republicans remain hesitant to support any sort of tax increases, and the General Assembly is focused on Hurricane Helene disaster recovery and crafting a budget. —Alexandria Sands, Axios, 24 Feb. 2025

For those still feeling hesitant, beginning a hobby in the privacy of your home can help ease discomfort. —Julianna Bragg, CNN, 23 Feb. 2025

Trump and Musk have expressed their consideration for the proposal, but some voices in Congress are more hesitant about the idea. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025

Her mom is very hesitant and feels left out of the engagement process. —Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see hesitate

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hesitant

• vaccine hesitant

Kids Definition

hesitant

adjective

hes·​i·​tant ˈhez-ə-tənt 

: tending to hesitate : slow to act or proceed

hesitantly adverb