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
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
The warrior planet is in its home sign in Aries, operating at full speed with zero hesitation… or patience!
—
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
Decisions get made quickly, options disappear and hesitation has a cost.
—Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 2 May 2026
Chiron in your 2nd House highlights something tied to confidence or hesitation.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
In a moment demanding courage, discipline and split-second judgment, men and women charged with protecting the president moved without hesitation toward duty, even at personal risk.
—Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
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Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
Decisions get made quickly, options disappear and hesitation has a cost.
—Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 2 May 2026
Chiron in your 2nd House highlights something tied to confidence or hesitation.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
In a moment demanding courage, discipline and split-second judgment, men and women charged with protecting the president moved without hesitation toward duty, even at personal risk.
—Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Cite this Entry
“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hesitation. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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