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

• cagey
• cagy
• disinclined
• dubious
• indisposed
• loath
• loth
• loathe
• reluctant
• reticent

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

During his conversation with Newsweek, Wardle was hesitant to give away any strategies or tips for solving his daily puzzles. —David Faris, Newsweek, 9 July 2024

Plus, for those who are hesitant about purchasing an online mattress, WinkBed provides a 120-day warranty—that’s a six-month sleep trial period!—which is plenty of time to decide if the money was well spent. —Ashley Zlatopolsky, Architectural Digest, 3 July 2024

Biden, 81, appeared hesitant and stammered in some of his answers, his eyes cast downward as Trump castigated him. —James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2024

Always hesitant to talk about his own accomplishments, Judge didn’t want to dissect the tear that he’s been on since a slow start to his campaign. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 23 June 2024

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