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
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
Teams are more hesitant, understandably so, given the penalties, to spend a bundle of money.
—
Tony Jones, New York Times, 31 July 2025
Investors might become hesitant to pay an even higher premium, particularly given the substantial capital expenditure Microsoft is directing towards AI initiatives.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
If your manager is hesitant, suggest a trial period of 30 to 90 days, says Frana.
—Sharon Wu, USA Today, 31 July 2025
More: Mount Clemens, once known for mineral baths and roses, is having a $6.5M moment
While housing inventory is rising, Ayers points out that many buyers remain hesitant to jump on new listings due to widespread affordability concerns.
—Brendel Clark, Freep.com, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hesitant
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Tony Jones, New York Times, 31 July 2025
Investors might become hesitant to pay an even higher premium, particularly given the substantial capital expenditure Microsoft is directing towards AI initiatives.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
If your manager is hesitant, suggest a trial period of 30 to 90 days, says Frana.
—Sharon Wu, USA Today, 31 July 2025
More: Mount Clemens, once known for mineral baths and roses, is having a $6.5M moment
While housing inventory is rising, Ayers points out that many buyers remain hesitant to jump on new listings due to widespread affordability concerns.
—Brendel Clark, Freep.com, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hesitant
Cite this Entry
“Hesitant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hesitant. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hesitant
adjective
hes·i·tant
ˈhez-ə-tənt
: tending to hesitate : slow to act or proceed
hesitantly
adverb
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