Dictionary.com
definitions

hesitancy

[hez-i-tuh n-see]
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR hesitancy ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural hes·i·tan·cies

hesitation; indecision or disinclination.

RELATED CONTENT

CTE
Read more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE

RELATED WORDS

skepticism, reluctance, indecision, hesitation, procrastination, uncertainty, irresolution, pause, wavering, delaying
Also hes·i·tance.

Origin of hesitancy

From the Latin word haesitantia, dating back to 1610–20. See hesitant, -ancy
Related formspre·hes·i·tan·cy, noun, plural pre·hes·i·tan·cies.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for hesitancy

Contemporary Examples of hesitancy

Historical Examples of hesitancy

  • Dick spoke at once, with a hesitancy that betrayed the depth of his emotion.

    Within the Law

    Marvin Dana

  • They were doing the "hesitation" with the hesitancy emphasized.

    Cap'n Dan's Daughter

    Joseph C. Lincoln

  • Might he not yet turn to advantage this hesitancy of Crispin's to strike the final blow?

    The Tavern Knight

    Rafael Sabatini

  • For a moment, therefore, in his bearing bravado was tempered with hesitancy.

    The Strollers

    Frederic S. Isham

  • It is fair to say that the hesitancy of some was offset by the heroism of others.

Word Origin and History for hesitancy
n.

1610s, from Latin haesitantia "action of stammering," from haesitantem (nominative haesitans) "stammering," present participle of haesitare (see hesitation).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for hesitancy

hesitancy

[hĕz′ĭ-tən-sē]

n.

An involuntary delay or inability in starting the urinary stream.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.