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
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
To counter this hesitation, companies can link payment to observable results.
—
Esade Business & Law School, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Kande questioned whether this hesitation stems from geopolitics, tariffs, technology, or a lack of leadership agility.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 19 Jan. 2026
The hesitation is probably not a transmission issue but more of a fuel system problem.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2026
Mintyukov’s hesitation at the blue line sent Armia off on a shorthanded breakaway, resulting in a backhand that was narrowly saved by Dostál.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
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Esade Business & Law School, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Kande questioned whether this hesitation stems from geopolitics, tariffs, technology, or a lack of leadership agility.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 19 Jan. 2026
The hesitation is probably not a transmission issue but more of a fuel system problem.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2026
Mintyukov’s hesitation at the blue line sent Armia off on a shorthanded breakaway, resulting in a backhand that was narrowly saved by Dostál.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Cite this Entry
“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hesitation. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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