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

Highlight the incidents when you were forced out of your own bed, and describe your hesitation to enter your own home. — Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 7 Nov. 2026

A couple of times against the Jaguars, for example, the hesitation was clear. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2026

Our schools were rife with gun violence and vaccine hesitation. — Tamar Adler, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026

Caplin News / Florida International University Part of his hesitation came from questioning whether his vote could influence an election, particularly in presidential races decided through the Electoral College. — Sabrina Lozano, CBS News, 2 Nov. 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