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.
After years of hesitation, the national security space community is finally boarding the commercial space train, one that many of us have been pushing for since the early 2000’s. Charles Beames, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 This time around, there’s no hesitation for Larsson. Tiana Denicola, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025 The vibe, to borrow the report’s own language, is one of mounting hesitation. Catherine Baab, Quartz, 24 Apr. 2025 The forward drove at the defender, preying on hesitation and a failure to clear the ball. Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 21 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hesitation. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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