hesitate
verb (used without object)
to be reluctant or wait to act because of fear, indecision, or disinclination.
hesitating
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present participleof hesitate.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
"I'm hesitating because I'm speaking on behalf of other people and that's very difficult to do," he said.
From BBC ● Apr. 18, 2026
They held them up to the light, pressed them between their fingers, hesitating — until, one by one, they took a bite.
From Salon ● Mar. 17, 2026
That removed a near-term overhang on the stock, but private lenders are hesitating to back its plans, according to Schwartz.
From MarketWatch ● Feb. 25, 2026
Developing the ability to deploy platoons of robots that can carry out orders without hesitating also speaks to skepticism in Beijing about the reliability of PLA mission commanders.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 25, 2026
“I asked her ...,” Ash trailed off, hesitating, and looked down at the ground.
From "Ash" by Malinda Lo
