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

Ndoye didn't shoot on his first touch of the ball, though, and that slight hesitation to control the ball and gather for a shot left just enough time for Argentina to swoop in to block the shot. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 July 2026

Every moment of hesitation risks a delay in medical treatment or gives a suspect extra time to escape. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 11 July 2026

Private Clinics, Firms And Advisors Print works best for businesses that need to reduce hesitation before a customer ever reaches out, such as private clinics, legal firms, custom builders and wealth advisors. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

High mortgage rates are also impacting buyer budgets, and leading to hesitation. — Marc Shoffman, TheWeek, 9 July 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