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.

However, the countries on his itinerary have largely been very cooperative with the administration so far, as other countries in the region Rubio will skip over remain hesitant to comply. —

Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 1 Feb. 2025 Others may also be hesitant to accept an ADHD diagnosis and take medications that may help, Manos said. —

Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 1 Feb. 2025 Some studies show Black Americans are more hesitant than whites to receive certain vaccines. —

Lauran Neergaard, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025 With high inventory levels and sometimes hesitant buyers, sellers may need to recalibrate expectations. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for hesitant