hesitation

noun

hes·​i·​ta·​tion ˌhe-zə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: an act or instance of hesitating

A moment's hesitation could have meant disaster.

I would do it again without hesitation.

2

: a pausing or faltering in speech

Synonyms of hesitation

• hesitancy
• hesitance
• pause
• delay

Examples of hesitation in a Sentence

one moment's hesitation on my part, and the elusive butterfly was lost to me forever

Recent Examples on the Web

At first, it’s seen in Soulan’s hesitation at accepting children from other villages to his class — then in his rage at his mother for feeding guests at the potential expense of the children’s meals. — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

The new work is a radical take on aging and femininity, an uncut hit of Cindy Sherman—despite, or maybe even because of, her initial hesitation. — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 9 Oct. 2026

My hesitation remains the Vikings’ strong defense, limited offensive production and Christian Darrisaw’s uncertain availability. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

The recording includes hesitations and human interventions rather than presenting only the successful portions of the operation. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hesitation

• without hesitation

Rhymes for hesitation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation