hesitancy

Also hes·i·tance

[hez-i-tuhn-see]

noun

plural

hesitancies 

1. hesitation; indecision or disinclination.

Other Word Forms

• prehesitancy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hesitancy¹

From the Latin word haesitantia, dating back to 1610–20. See hesitant, -ancy

Example Sentences

Any hesitancy from Waller about a December rate cut could further drain traders’ hopes of more easing, because Waller has been one of the Fed board’s most consistent advocates for bringing rates lower this year.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In its latest summary of its contacts with businesses, the ECB recorded rising rates of “cart abandonment” in online shopping as a sign of increased consumer hesitancy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But buyer hesitancy spurred by economic uncertainty and job market concerns isn’t helping.

Read more on Barron's

But buyer hesitancy spurred by economic uncertainty and job market concerns isn’t helping.

Read more on Barron's

But the Bank's report makes clear that last year's Budget measures have contributed to price pressures, and hiring hesitancy by adding to employer's costs.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• indecision 
• reluctance 
• skepticism