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.
On the other hand, hesitation or half-measures will send a clear signal to founders and investors that Israel is content to watch from the sidelines. Tomer Niv, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 Despite starting from a neutral position roughly three yards off his line, John shows no hesitation in extending himself nearly 10 yards to reach the edge of his penalty spot and claim the ball with authority. Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 9 July 2025 Was there any hesitation about writing something that hits so close to home in terms of your real-life experiences within the reality TV community? Dalton Ross, EW.com, 9 July 2025 Even among those who approve of the airstrikes, there's hesitation. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 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 19 Jul. 2025.

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