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

Aside from one infamous players-only meeting in 2024, the Mets have been hesitant to call full-squad meetings since part of the pregame preparation includes various meetings. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2026

At this time, Adams is hesitant to speculate on a possible public opening date. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026

Yet farmers have been hesitant to switch to regenerative farming techniques that, among other adjustments, include putting a stop to over-tilling, which can cause damage to soil structure. —Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026

But several filmmakers tell Rolling Stone studios are still hesitant to put their full weight behind romance projects, even with that evidence of financial success. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 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