B2adjectiveemotionspsychology
US/ˈhez.ɪ.tənt/
UK/ˈhez.ɪ.tənt/
slow to act or speak because you are nervous or not sure what to do
In context
She was hesitant to ask her manager for a raise after only three months.
Customers are hesitant to buy online when a website looks unprofessional.
His hesitant reply suggested that he had not read the contract carefully.
Words that go with hesitant
adjective + preposition
- hesitant to sayI was hesitant to say anything during the meeting.
- hesitant aboutSome staff are hesitant about the new schedule.
verb + adjective
- feel hesitantMany applicants feel hesitant about moving abroad.
- seem hesitantThe investors seem hesitant about the new plan.
- remain hesitantBuyers remain hesitant because prices keep changing.
adjective + noun
- a hesitant smileShe gave a hesitant smile and stepped into the office.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
hesitant for askingCorrect: hesitant to ask