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

• reluctant

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

Many people are hesitant to add more medications to their regimen, which is why natural, gut-friendly options – like ginger for nausea – can make a big difference in managing side effects. —Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025

Many migrants are likely hesitant to answer questions from government officials conducting a jobs survey. —Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 23 Aug. 2025

Projecting a league where even the sportsbooks are hesitant to pick a clear favorite is no easy task. —Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025

Being the person who’s not too hesitant to go deeper with someone. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 22 Aug. 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