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

On the other hand, hesitation or half-measures will send a clear signal to founders and investors that Israel is content to watch from the sidelines. —Tomer Niv, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

Despite starting from a neutral position roughly three yards off his line, John shows no hesitation in extending himself nearly 10 yards to reach the edge of his penalty spot and claim the ball with authority. —Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 9 July 2025

Was there any hesitation about writing something that hits so close to home in terms of your real-life experiences within the reality TV community? —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 9 July 2025

Even among those who approve of the airstrikes, there's hesitation. —Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 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