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.

In January, several people froze to death as dangerous arctic conditions hit the U.S. Some experts believe that climate change will make snowfall on Christmas Day increasingly rare, although others are more hesitant about drawing conclusions. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024 Research shows people love receiving gift cards – even if some shoppers are hesitant to give them. —

Betty Lin-Fisher, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2024 Shoppers may be hesitant to spend because of high prices of everyday goods such as groceries and may feel unsure about the economy amid global conflict and the recent election. —

Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 29 Nov. 2024 But that may require Green to play more center in small-ball lineups, which the organization is hesitant to do. —

Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 28 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hesitant