hesitation
Americannoun
-
the act of hesitating; a delay due to uncertainty of mind or fear.
His hesitation cost him the championship.
-
a state of doubt or uncertainty.
- Synonyms:
- vacillation, irresolution, indecision, hesitancy
-
a halting or faltering in speech.
- Synonyms:
- stammer
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of hesitation
First recorded in 1615–25, hesitation is from the Latin word haesitātiōn- (stem of haesitātiō ). See hesitate, -ion
Explanation
A hesitation is a pause. If your friend asks you, "Do you like my new haircut?" you'd better make sure there's not a second's hesitation before you answer, "Yes, of course!" Hesitation happens when you feel uncertainty or doubt. It can be a pause in speech, a faltering moment before you act, or a silent second of indecision. If your friend's dog is growling and staring you down, but she tells you he won't bite, that feeling that something not feeling right that stops you from petting him is hesitation. The Latin root of hesitation is haesitationem, which means irresolution or uncertainty.
Vocabulary lists containing hesitation
Unit 1: Telling Details
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Catching Fire
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Slam!
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Hesitation to hire as employers await the onset of AI could also play a role, especially at large companies that are able to deploy AI sooner.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026
Other programme highlights include the London premiere of Hesitation Wound, which scooped up an award at the Zurich Film Festival.
From BBC • May 25, 2024
Rockers Nine Inch Nails entered the chart at No. 3 with their eighth studio album, "Hesitation Marks," while R&B crooner John Legend's "Love in the Future" notched No. 4 this week.
From Reuters • Sep. 11, 2013
Hesitation in their backline at the time of an Aaron Doran cross led to Nick Ross picking up the loose ball and scoring past the returning Fraser Forster.
From The Guardian • Feb. 9, 2013
Hesitation and mannerisms in Bridge should be carefully avoided.
From Bridge Axioms and Laws by Elwell, J.B. (Joseph Bowne)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
