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 of hesitant

• 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

The only thing that made Chan hesitant about the project was the location of his home, close to the ocean. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 6 July 2026

Norway’s Jørgen Strand Larsen couldn’t convert a penalty kick after a very slow and hesitant run-up. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 27 June 2026

Some delegates were hesitant, but a committee was appointed to draft the document. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 July 2026

In Season 2, Jay is hopeful that the two can expand their family and voices his desires to do so, but Pamela is hesitant. — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 30 June 2026

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