Tentativeness

Tentativeness refers to the quality or state of being hesitant, uncertain, or lacking confidence in making decisions or taking actions. It often manifests as a feeling of doubt or indecision, causing individuals to refrain from committing fully to a course of action or expressing their thoughts and feelings assertively. tentativeness may stem from self-doubt, fear of failure, or a desire to avoid making mistakes and can hinder both personal and professional growth.

Tentativeness meaning with examples

• During the team meeting, her tentativeness in proposing new ideas was evident; she often pausing to seek approval before sharing her thoughts, which ultimately stifled the flow of discussion and prevented her from making a strong impression on her colleagues, leaving them with the impression that she lacked confidence in her abilities.
• The candidate’s tentativeness in answering interview questions raised concerns for the hiring panel. Instead of delivering clear and decisive responses, he hesitated frequently and seemed uncertain about his qualifications, which might have hindered his chances of landing the coveted position that required strong assertiveness and decisiveness.
• His tentativeness in making plans for the future left his friends puzzled. When they proposed various options for their trip, he consistently deferred making decisions, expressing concerns about potential obstacles instead of engaging wholeheartedly in the planning process, ultimately leading to frustration among his peers who desired more involvement.
• The student’s tentativeness in participating in class discussions often led to missed opportunities for deeper understanding. Her reluctance to voice her opinions and ask questions stemmed from fear of judgment, which detracted from her learning experience and caused her to struggle to engage with her peers and the instructor.