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.
Fans are hesitant to buy into a team that has regressed for two straight seasons and failed to reach 80 points in the standings last year. Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025 The final cluster is comprised of companies that are just beginning the mapping process, inquiring about the necessary data points but hesitant to fully commit, Mohan said. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 8 Oct. 2025 Prince William already has aggressive feelings towards Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Fergie, but Kate seems to be hesitant to cut the cord. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 7 Oct. 2025 But some providers may remain confused or hesitant to administer the shots because of lingering uncertainty and mixed messages, for instance, speculative safety risks presented during the CDC's advisory committee meeting that are not backed by solid evidence. Pien Huang, NPR, 6 Oct. 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 15 Oct. 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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