hesitation

noun

hes·​i·​ta·​tion ˌhe-zə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: an act or instance of hesitating

2

: a pausing or faltering in speech

Synonyms

• 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

What To Know Jeffries' endorsement of Mamdani for New York City mayor comes months of internal party pressure and strategic hesitation. —Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

Villa had known Elliott was available in the months before, yet the price caused hesitation. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025

In the end, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is a solid little (mostly) smokeless grill for indoor spaces, and my only hesitation with recommending it for apartments would be its substantial footprint. —Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Oct. 2025

Jeremy Allen White has spoken about his initial hesitation to take the role given his lack of experience singing and playing guitar. —Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th 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