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

But after descending into the genre for the series and then returning for its sudden ending, Brown can’t exactly blame those hesitant to do the same. — Hunter Ingram, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

Approaching hesitant individuals Health experts said that addressing vaccine-hesitant people starts with listening rather than lecturing. — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026

McCollough was hesitant, though, to broach the topic with Watts. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026

The contracts mark a milestone after oil companies have been hesitant to engage with Venezuela. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 20 Aug. 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