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
Those little hesitations cost Texas several points in the early going and helped dig a hole that proved too deep as time went on.
—
Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026
Other possible reasons for vaccine hesitation exist.
—Cory Anderson, STAT, 6 Mar. 2026
After missing his two previous attempts only seconds earlier, Dixon returned to the free-throw line without any hesitation.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
In an environment dictated by speed and automation, the space for hesitation, dissent, or moral restraint may be shrinking just as quickly.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hesitation
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Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026
Other possible reasons for vaccine hesitation exist.
—Cory Anderson, STAT, 6 Mar. 2026
After missing his two previous attempts only seconds earlier, Dixon returned to the free-throw line without any hesitation.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
In an environment dictated by speed and automation, the space for hesitation, dissent, or moral restraint may be shrinking just as quickly.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 3 Mar. 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 14 Mar. 2026.
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