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

And in a league accustomed to rapid change, hesitation is the simplest way to get left behind. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026

In rap’s gladiator arena, there’s no grace for hesitation, and that hesitation defined Cole’s involvement in the clash of the century. —Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 19 Feb. 2026

Among those emails are unsent drafts, abandoned because of distraction or hesitation. —Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026

Unions view this hesitation as a critical vulnerability that could affect his viability in presidential primary contests where labor organizing remains essential to campaign success. —Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 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