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.
As the fintech industry recalibrates—shifting from growth-at-all-costs to sustainable, focused models—leaders like Ferris are proving that clarity beats chaos, and conviction beats hesitation. Nicole Casperson, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025 Part of the hesitation expressed by business centers on understanding how the tariffs will affect consumers’ view of the economy. Alex Harring, CNBC, 9 May 2025 One player recently told the Athletic that Gobert doesn’t scare anyone, which might be true, but the games say otherwise: the fear tells in the hesitations before drives, the shots not taken. Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 4 May 2025 Ramos’ hesitation provided Burger with a window to record an out. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 28 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hesitation. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hesitation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!