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

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

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Misinformation, such as fears that the vaccine may hinder fertility or doubts about its effectiveness, makes families hesitant to have their daughters vaccinated. —

Unicef Usa, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 The search begins When Gary McNulty died in 2019, his son was still hesitant to crack open the door to explore his birth origins. —

Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 17 Oct. 2024 The two men initially were hesitant about being openly gay in their business, especially in what Ades described as Arizona's volatile political climate. —

Reia Li, The Arizona Republic, 16 Oct. 2024 And then the more analytical part of me was hesitant, knowing this could get really messy. —

Roya Backlund, StyleCaster, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hesitant