Top 28 Slang For Hesitant – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to expressing hesitation in conversations, finding the right words can be a bit tricky. But fear not! We’ve got you covered with a list of the most current and trendy slang for hesitant expressions that will help you navigate those uncertain moments with ease. Stay tuned to discover the perfect phrases to sprinkle into your daily conversations and level up your cool factor!

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1. Dilly-dallying

This term refers to the act of wasting time or delaying in making a decision or taking action. It implies a lack of urgency or purposefulness.

For example, “Stop dilly-dallying and make up your mind!”
A parent might scold their child by saying, “Quit dilly-dallying and finish your homework.”
In a work setting, a coworker might complain, “We can’t afford to keep dilly-dallying, we need to meet our deadlines.”

2. Wavering

Wavering refers to the act of being indecisive or uncertain about something. It suggests a lack of commitment or firmness in making a choice or taking a stand.

For instance, “She’s been wavering between two job offers for weeks.”
In a political context, a journalist might write, “The candidate’s wavering stance on the issue has caused confusion among voters.”
A friend might say, “I can’t make up my mind, I’ve been wavering between going out or staying in tonight.”

3. Hesitating

Hesitating refers to the act of pausing or delaying before taking action. It implies a moment of uncertainty or doubt.

For example, “He hesitated before jumping off the diving board.”
In a sports context, a commentator might say, “The player’s hesitation cost them the goal.”
A person might confess, “I’ve been hesitating about whether to quit my job and pursue my passion.”

4. Dithering

Dithering refers to the act of being indecisive or uncertain about something. It suggests a state of confusion or hesitation.

For instance, “She’s been dithering over which dress to wear to the party.”
In a business context, a manager might complain, “His dithering is holding up the project.”
A person might admit, “I’ve been dithering about whether to go on vacation or save the money.”

5. Shilly-shallying

Shilly-shallying refers to the act of being indecisive or hesitant. It implies a lack of firmness or commitment in making a decision or taking action.

For example, “Stop shilly-shallying and just choose already!”
A friend might tease, “You’re always shilly-shallying, it’s time to take a stand.”
In a work setting, a colleague might complain, “His shilly-shallying is causing delays in the project.”

6. Pondering

This term refers to the act of contemplating or considering something deeply. It implies a state of hesitation or uncertainty in decision-making.

For example, “I’m pondering whether to accept the job offer.”
Someone might say, “I’m still pondering my options before making a final decision.”
In a discussion about future plans, one might say, “I’ve been pondering where to go on my next vacation.”

7. Hesitant

This word describes someone who is unsure or reluctant to make a decision or take action. It implies a lack of confidence or conviction.

For instance, “He was hesitant to speak up during the meeting.”
A person might say, “I’m hesitant to try that new restaurant because of the mixed reviews.”
In a discussion about starting a new project, someone might admit, “I’m feeling hesitant about taking on such a big responsibility.”

8. Vacillating

This term refers to the act of wavering or indecisiveness. It suggests a person who is uncertain and constantly changing their mind.

For example, “She has been vacillating between two job offers.”
A person might say, “I’ve been vacillating on whether to attend the party or stay home.”
In a discussion about choosing a college major, someone might admit, “I’ve been vacillating between psychology and sociology.”

9. Teetering

This word describes someone or something that is on the verge of falling or making a decision. It suggests a state of instability or uncertainty.

For instance, “The company is teetering on the edge of bankruptcy.”
A person might say, “I’m teetering between choosing option A or option B.”
In a discussion about a relationship, someone might say, “I feel like we’re teetering on the brink of a breakup.”

10. Stalling

This term refers to the act of intentionally delaying or avoiding taking action. It suggests a person who is hesitant or reluctant to move forward.

For example, “He’s stalling on making a decision about the project.”
A person might say, “I feel like I’m stalling in my career and need to make a change.”
In a discussion about buying a new car, someone might admit, “I’ve been stalling because I can’t decide which model to choose.”

11. Procrastinating

This term refers to delaying or postponing a task or decision. It is often used to describe someone who continuously avoids doing something they should be doing.

For example, “I’m procrastinating on writing my essay and now it’s due tomorrow.”
A person might say, “I keep procrastinating on starting my workout routine.”
Another might admit, “I’m always procrastinating when it comes to cleaning my room.”

12. Waffling

This slang term describes someone who is hesitant or indecisive in making a decision. It is often used to describe someone who goes back and forth between different options.

For instance, “Stop waffling and just choose a restaurant for dinner.”
In a group discussion, someone might say, “We can’t make progress if you keep waffling on your opinion.”
A person might admit, “I’m waffling between two different job offers.”

13. Floundering

This term describes someone who is struggling or having difficulty in making a decision. It implies a sense of being unsure or uncertain about what to do.

For example, “I’m floundering in my career and don’t know which direction to take.”
A person might say, “I feel like I’m floundering in my relationship and can’t make up my mind.”
Another might admit, “I’ve been floundering in my studies and can’t decide on a major.”

14. Hazy

This slang term describes a state of being unclear or uncertain about something. It can refer to a lack of clarity or a sense of confusion.

For instance, “I have a hazy memory of what happened last night.”
A person might say, “My future plans are still hazy and I don’t know what I want to do.”
Another might admit, “I’m feeling hazy about my goals and can’t seem to focus.”

15. Indecisive

This term describes someone who has difficulty in making decisions. It implies a sense of being unsure or hesitant in choosing between different options.

For example, “She’s so indecisive that it takes her forever to order at a restaurant.”
A person might say, “I’m feeling indecisive about which college to attend.”
Another might admit, “I’m indecisive when it comes to making big life choices.”

16. Uncertain

When someone is uncertain, they are unsure or hesitant about something. It means they lack confidence or are unsure about what to do or how to proceed.

For example, “I’m uncertain about which college to choose.”
Someone might say, “I’m feeling uncertain about this job offer.”
In a discussion about future plans, a person might admit, “I’m uncertain about what career path to pursue.”

17. Tentative

When someone is tentative, they are hesitant or cautious in their actions or decisions. It means they are not fully committed or confident and approach things with caution.

For instance, “He took a tentative step forward, unsure of what lay ahead.”
A person might say, “I’m feeling tentative about joining the team.”
In a discussion about trying something new, someone might admit, “I’m tentative about taking up a new hobby.”

18. Reluctant

When someone is reluctant, they are hesitant or unwilling to do something. It means they have reservations or hesitations about a particular action or decision.

For example, “She was reluctant to share her personal story.”
Someone might say, “I’m reluctant to lend him money again.”
In a discussion about attending a party, a person might admit, “I’m reluctant to go because I don’t know many people there.”

19. Dragging your feet

When someone is dragging their feet, they are hesitant or slow to take action. It means they are delaying or procrastinating on a task or decision.

For instance, “He’s been dragging his feet on starting the project.”
A person might say, “Stop dragging your feet and make a decision.”
In a discussion about completing a task, someone might admit, “I’ve been dragging my feet on finishing that report.”

20. Torn

When someone is torn, they are hesitant or conflicted between two or more options or choices. It means they feel pulled in different directions and have difficulty making a decision.

For example, “She was torn between pursuing her passion and staying in a stable job.”
Someone might say, “I’m torn between going on vacation or saving money.”
In a discussion about buying a car, a person might admit, “I’m torn between a practical choice and a more luxurious option.”

21. Pensive

This term describes someone who is deep in thought or contemplation, often with a sense of hesitation or uncertainty. It can also refer to a state of reflection or introspection.

For example, “She was pensive before making her decision.”
A person might say, “I’m feeling pensive about my future.”
In a discussion about a difficult choice, someone might ask, “Are you feeling pensive about your options?”

22. Linger

To linger is to stay in a place or remain in a state, often with a sense of hesitation or reluctance to leave. It can also refer to taking longer than necessary to complete a task or make a decision.

For instance, “He lingered at the doorway, unsure whether to enter.”
A person might say, “I tend to linger when making important decisions.”
In a conversation about finishing a project, someone might admit, “I tend to linger on the final details.”

23. Halt

To halt means to come to a stop or pause, often with a sense of hesitation or uncertainty. It can also refer to bringing something to a sudden stop or causing it to cease.

For example, “She halted in her tracks, unsure which direction to go.”
A person might say, “I need to halt and think before making a decision.”
In a discussion about progress, someone might suggest, “Let’s halt for a moment and assess our next steps.”

24. Ponder

To ponder is to think deeply or consider carefully, often with a sense of hesitation or uncertainty. It can also refer to reflecting on a particular topic or question.

For instance, “He pondered the meaning of life for hours.”
A person might say, “I need some time to ponder before giving you an answer.”
In a conversation about a difficult problem, someone might suggest, “Take a moment to ponder the possible solutions.”

25. Hem and haw

To hem and haw means to hesitate or speak in a hesitant or indecisive manner. It can also refer to wavering between different options or opinions.

For example, “She hemmed and hawed before finally making up her mind.”
A person might say, “I tend to hem and haw when faced with important decisions.”
In a discussion about conflicting viewpoints, someone might observe, “They hem and hawed about which option to choose.”

26. Skeptical

When someone is skeptical, they have doubts or reservations about something. It indicates a hesitancy to fully believe or accept something without further evidence or proof.

For example, “I’m skeptical about that new diet trend. I’ll need to see some scientific studies before I try it.”
In a conversation about a new product, someone might say, “I’m skeptical about its effectiveness. Has anyone actually tried it?”
A person might express skepticism by saying, “I find it hard to believe that story without any concrete evidence.”

27. Cautious

Being cautious means exercising care and thoughtfulness before making a decision or taking action. It implies a hesitation to proceed without considering potential risks or consequences.

For instance, “I’m cautious about investing in that company. I want to do more research before committing my money.”
In a discussion about safety, someone might say, “It’s important to be cautious when crossing the street, especially in busy areas.”
A person might advise, “I would be cautious about sharing personal information online. You never know who might have access to it.”

28. Hesitatingly

When someone does something hesitatingly, they do it with hesitation or reluctance. It suggests a lack of confidence or a preference to hold back or delay.

For example, “She hesitatingly agreed to go on the roller coaster, but you could tell she was nervous.”
In a conversation about making a decision, someone might say, “I’m hesitatingly leaning towards option B, but I still have some reservations.”
A person might express their hesitations by saying, “I’m hesitatingly stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something new.”