hesitation

noun

hes·​i·​ta·​tion ˌhe-zə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce hesitation (audio)
1
: an act or instance of hesitating
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The arc of Fatal Optimist and Diaz’s perceptive, insistent songwriting make that movement, even with its hesitation, feel like a victory. Maura Johnston, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025 The bear was now 35 yards away and showing no hesitation in her charge. Marguerite Reiss, Outdoor Life, 9 Oct. 2025 Because in scam situations, hesitation can be life changing. Summer Stephan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Oct. 2025 As fans see in her reality series, the influencer's mother and father, Julie and Allen, showed some hesitation in fully backing the younger couple's decision to get married. Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hesitation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hesitation was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hesitation. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

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