Hesitant: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is pausing or unsure due to fear, doubt, or uncertainty.

• She was hesitant to speak up during the meeting.
• Tom felt hesitant about making a big life change.

Used when someone is unwilling or not eager to do something.

• He was reluctant to share his secret.
• She felt reluctant to accept the offer.

Used when something is not known, definite, or decided.

• I'm uncertain about what to do next.
• The future of the project is uncertain.

Used when there is a strong sense that something is unlikely or not true.

• The coach was doubtful about the team's chances of winning.
• I'm doubtful that the weather will improve by the weekend.

Used when someone is unable to make a firm decision or is changing their mind.

• She kept wavering between two job offers.
• His wavering support made the team uneasy.

Used when someone is unsure or reluctant to take a definite action.

• She was hesitant to answer the question
• He is always hesitant before making a big decision

Used when something seems questionable or doubtful, often with a negative connotation.

• Her dubious story made everyone skeptical
• He had a dubious reputation in the business community

Used to describe something that is open to multiple interpretations or unclear meaning.

• The instructions were ambiguous and confusing
• His response was ambiguous, leaving us unsure of his intentions

Used to describe language or statements that are deliberately unclear, often to mislead or avoid commitment.

• The politician's answer was equivocal, lacking clarity
• His comments were so equivocal that no one could understand his true position

Used to describe something that is not easy to understand or see, lacking clarity.

• The instructions were unclear, making the task difficult
• Her intentions were unclear to everyone