hesitant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hesitant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is unsure or reluctant to act or make a decision. Example: "She was hesitant to accept the job offer because it required relocating to a new city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is no evidence of the preliminary tentative mark, of the initial hesitant touch of the pencil or crayon that would allow the artist to get his bearings and select the position for the first expressive line.

The Guardian - Arts

Privately, Cameron is still waiting to hear more clearly from the hesitant Obama about what his strategic thinking might be.

The Guardian

"This is applicable to the white population, but in in our population, many people are hesitant to engage with this.

The Guardian

Some executives are hesitant to embrace sustainability initiatives, assuming that they will divert resources from more business-minded pursuits.

The Guardian

So unrecognizable has a hesitant Johnson looked so far this year.

The Guardian - Sport

After a beat, a few hesitant claps broke out on the theatre's lower level.

The Guardian

In person however, he is hesitant and softly-spoken ("he talks quietly and writes loud," explained Marr).

The Guardian - Books

Interestingly, Peel also looked into the reasons why people might feel hesitant about marriage as opposed to civil partnerships.

The Guardian

"You are going to find people very hesitant to talk about this," an aide to one Republican senator said.

The Guardian

Small and slightly built, hesitant in public, Anatoly Karpov always seemed an unlikely champion.

The Guardian - Sport

A child who is hesitant to be filmed is often more confident with recording audio.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hesitant", ensure the context clarifies the reason for the hesitation to provide a complete understanding to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "hesitant" when a stronger term like "opposed" or "resistant" more accurately reflects the level of reluctance. "Hesitant" implies a degree of uncertainty, not outright rejection.

Linguistic Context

The word "hesitant" primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns or pronouns to describe a state of uncertainty, reluctance, or caution. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in this role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "hesitant" effectively communicates a state of uncertainty or reluctance, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. While alternatives like "reluctant" and "cautious" exist, "hesitant" offers a nuanced way to express unease or reservation. When using "hesitant", ensure the context clarifies the reason behind the hesitation to provide clarity. Its frequency and diverse application solidify its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reluctant

Indicates unwillingness or disinclination to do something, similar to being hesitant.

uncertain

Expresses doubt or lack of confidence, reflecting a hesitant attitude.

cautious

Implies carefulness and a degree of hesitation to avoid risks.

unwilling

Suggests a lack of willingness or a certain resistance, mirroring hesitation.

apprehensive

Indicates anxiety or fear about something that might happen, causing hesitation.

dubious

Suggests doubtfulness or skepticism, leading to hesitation in accepting something.

wavering

Implies indecision and fluctuating between options, causing hesitation.

indecisive

Describes a difficulty in making decisions, resulting in hesitation.

tentative

Suggests a provisional or experimental approach, reflecting hesitation.

guarded

Implies caution and restraint in expressing oneself, akin to being hesitant.

FAQs

How can I use "hesitant" in a sentence?

You can use "hesitant" to describe someone's reluctance or uncertainty about doing something. For example, "She was "hesitant to accept" the job offer because of the long hours".

What are some alternatives to the word "hesitant"?

Some alternatives to "hesitant" include "reluctant", "uncertain", and "cautious", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "hesitant to" or "hesitant in"?

"Hesitant to" is the more common and generally preferred construction. "Hesitant in" is less frequently used but can be appropriate depending on the specific context, for example, "He was "hesitant in his speech"".

What's the difference between "hesitant" and "reluctant"?

"Hesitant" implies a pause or uncertainty before acting, while "reluctant" suggests a stronger unwillingness or aversion. Someone might be "hesitant" due to fear, but "reluctant" due to disagreement.