hesitant

[hez-i-tuhnt]

adjective

1. hesitating; undecided, doubtful, or disinclined.

2. lacking readiness of speech.

hesitant

/ ˈhɛzɪtənt /

adjective

1. wavering, hesitating, or irresolute

Other Word Forms

• hesitantly adverb
• nonhesitant adjective
• nonhesitantly adverb
• unhesitant adjective
• unhesitantly adverb
• hesitance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hesitant¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin haesitant-, stem of haesitāns “faltering,” present participle of haesitāre “to falter, hesitate,” literally, “to stick repeatedly,” from haerēre “to stick, cling”

Example Sentences

In most districts, leaders “are hesitant to address this publicly for fear of attracting more scrutiny and making the issue even more difficult to manage,” Flint said.

From Los Angeles Times

Some Global South leaders have been hesitant in condemning the Russian war against Ukraine.

From BBC

Their goal involved two passes from the edge of their own penalty area, hesitant defending from Rangers centre-backs and a brilliant finish.

From BBC

His prolific scoring earned his team's full respect, and after a hesitant start, he quickly grew in confidence, showing fine temperament and smart tactics in tough situations.

From BBC

She tells me that for a long time, she was hesitant to acquire things.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• afraid 
• averse 
• doubtful 
• halting 
• indecisive 
• loath 
• reluctant 
• shy 
• skeptical 
• slow 
• tentative 
• timid 
• unsure 
• unwilling