hesitant

adjective

hes·​i·​tant ˈhe-zə-tənt How to pronounce hesitant (audio)
: 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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
More generally, the collective ongoing efforts by the Trump administration could equate to fewer opportunities for job seekers as employers become more hesitant to hire due to a lack of overall stability, veteran observers told Newsweek. Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025 Still, a lack of progress signs has left many investors hesitant to trust the mid-April rebound. Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 6 May 2025 These movements are referred to as the Soto Shuffle, but there is nothing hesitant or dancelike about them. Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 May 2025 However, the Supreme Court seems hesitant to get involved. Taylor Millard, Boston Herald, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hesitant

Word History

Etymology

see hesitate

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hesitant was in 1647

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hesitant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hesitant. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

hesitant

adjective
hes·​i·​tant ˈhez-ə-tənt How to pronounce hesitant (audio)
: tending to hesitate : slow to act or proceed
hesitantly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on hesitant

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