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
The only thing that made Chan hesitant about the project was the location of his home, close to the ocean.
—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
6 July 2026
When team members seem disconnected, less motivated or hesitant to contribute, leaders need to look beyond surface-level symptoms and determine what’s really standing in the way of stronger participation and performance.
—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Some delegates were hesitant, but a committee was appointed to draft the document.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
1 July 2026
Agencies resist working with NDS NDS’s unimpressive output has reportedly made agencies hesitant to work with the group.
—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hesitant
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Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
6 July 2026
When team members seem disconnected, less motivated or hesitant to contribute, leaders need to look beyond surface-level symptoms and determine what’s really standing in the way of stronger participation and performance.
—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Some delegates were hesitant, but a committee was appointed to draft the document.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
1 July 2026
Agencies resist working with NDS NDS’s unimpressive output has reportedly made agencies hesitant to work with the group.
—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hesitant
Cite this Entry
“Hesitant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hesitant. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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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