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

• 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

And compared to past conflicts, the American public—especially young people—are far more hesitant about war. —Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025

Looking Forward With the treatment landscape in such upheaval, experts are hesitant to predict what the future of obesity and diabetes treatment will look like. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 23 June 2025

Some Latin American travelers are hesitant to visit the U.S. due to the current political climate and recent events. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 23 June 2025

Miami’s existing condo inventory is on the rise, but new listings have fallen, a sign that some owners may be hesitant to sell because of market conditions or worries about the price of moving elsewhere. —Cd Goette-Luciak, Miami Herald, 23 June 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