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

Ake is initially hesitant to take her eccentricities to a more structured environment, but her fraught history with one recruit, 21-year-old Caleb Mir (Sandro Rosta), changes her mind. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 Jan. 2026

Opposing quarterbacks were hesitant to throw his way, and Hudson allowed only five completions all season (no touchdowns) in 186 snaps of man coverage with three interceptions, six passes defensed and 37 tackles. —Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026

That had a chilling effect, Romero said, making families hesitant to come forward — until now. —Megan Janetsky, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026

There probably are owners who are hesitant — right or wrong — to hire him to lead their organizations because of how the entire situation in Miami — his prior head coaching job — played out. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 13 Jan. 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