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

At 0-0, the hesitation offered an underpowered Millwall a realistic chance of progression. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Direct, straightforward and surely pre-planned, Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham showed no hesitation in speaking playoff aspirations into the air within the team’s facility in Flowery Branch. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Likewise, when a veteran employee expresses hesitation about a new operational structure, do not label them as resistant to change. — Kent Ingle, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2026

For many people, the hesitation around getting hearing aids is attached to cost and how to manage the upfront amount. — Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 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