hesitation

noun

hes·​i·​ta·​tion ˌhe-zə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce hesitation (audio)
1
: an act or instance of hesitating
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Del Toro’s explanation for this paradox revealed to Isaac that Victor Frankenstein operates without doubt or hesitation—until his catastrophic moment of reckoning. Clayton Davis, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025 Tariffs appear to have stabilized, and while brands remain aware of global uncertainties, there’s a clear shift toward action, not hesitation. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 13 Oct. 2025 Kuminga was splayed out on the floor after Lakers reserve Jake LaRavia had buckled him with a hesitation move midway through the quarter. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025 The arc of Fatal Optimist and Diaz’s perceptive, insistent songwriting make that movement, even with its hesitation, feel like a victory. Maura Johnston, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hesitation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hesitation was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hesitation. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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