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.
Most purchases aren’t made through a purely logical process but are influenced by how customers feel in the moment—whether a price excites them, creates hesitation or triggers an impulse buy. Anton Timashev, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 The memory of what happened the last time around might be contributing to the hesitation. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025 Pay-for-play could simply return to its former location — under the table — and proceed with limited hesitation. Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 10 June 2025 Despite the hesitation, Cavallari says her decision to feature her kids was a long time coming. Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 6 June 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 18 Jun. 2025.

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