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
The unfortunate reality is that this hesitation is nothing new for the Commission.
—
Javier Palomarez, Sacbee.com, 19 Dec. 2025
For users who prioritize digital security, this may ease some of the hesitation around uploading critical documents.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 15 Dec. 2025
Yes but with some hesitation 19%; and No but leaning to maybe 13%.
—Greg Cote
december 12, Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025
There was history behind that hesitation.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
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Javier Palomarez, Sacbee.com, 19 Dec. 2025
For users who prioritize digital security, this may ease some of the hesitation around uploading critical documents.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 15 Dec. 2025
Yes but with some hesitation 19%; and No but leaning to maybe 13%.
—Greg Cote
december 12, Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025
There was history behind that hesitation.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
Cite this Entry
“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hesitation. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.
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