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

This demonstrates how even those driving innovation are often hesitant to embrace its full implications. —Sabeer Nelliparamban, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

Turner announced his new relationship on an April 2025 podcast episode Turner was initially hesitant to share the identity of his new girlfriend, but began talking about his new relationship in April 2025. —Caroline Blair, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025

Beige Book’s vibe is hesitant The Fed’s Beige Book released Wednesday added texture to the growing sense of caution in the U.S. economy. —Catherine Baab, Quartz, 24 Apr. 2025

And doctors, reluctant to cause such acute pain, are hesitant to start patients on buprenorphine. —Ethan Brooks, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2025

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