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

Yet Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) – which leads Germany’s coalition government – is hesitant. —Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 6 July 2025

His defense at second base is also still evolving, too, which accentuates why the Astros are hesitant to summon him. —Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 July 2025

With only one problematic, diasporic leader who isn’t all that charismatic, a lot of people are hesitant to rally behind him, and Iranian people are afraid and out of resources, and economically suffering. —Fiction Non Fiction july 3, Literary Hub, 3 July 2025

Collins missing meetings, city council hesitant to take action Collins, also the chair of the city's safety committee, has been absent from all but his first meeting as councilman on January 16. —David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 2 July 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