hesitation
noun
hes·i·ta·tion
ˌhe-zə-ˈtā-shən 
1
: an act or instance of hesitating
2
: a pausing or faltering in speech
Synonyms
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
Focus on retention, education, activation, new tech and rewarding your people to start the next year with momentum, not hesitation.
—
Yogesh Shah, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Despite potential hesitation from fellow Republicans, Trump persists that the former Fox News host is ethically equipped to handle the role.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 7 Dec. 2024
After initial hesitation, investors have warmed up to Schumacher’s growth plan.
—Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 2 Dec. 2024
However, the cryptocurrency has since shown signs of hesitation, struggling to push past this milestone.
—Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hesitation 
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.
Yogesh Shah, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Despite potential hesitation from fellow Republicans, Trump persists that the former Fox News host is ethically equipped to handle the role.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 7 Dec. 2024
After initial hesitation, investors have warmed up to Schumacher’s growth plan.
—Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 2 Dec. 2024
However, the cryptocurrency has since shown signs of hesitation, struggling to push past this milestone.
—Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hesitation
Dictionary Entries Near hesitation
Cite this Entry
“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hesitation. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share