hesitate
verb (used without object)
to be reluctant or wait to act because of fear, indecision, or disinclination.
is hesitating
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present progressiveof hesitate (3rd person singular).present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
Some argue the Bank of Japan is hesitating because it fears higher rates on Japanese government debt would further undermine the country’s finances.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 2026
But because there are no nutrition and mortality surveys of the type that are standard in such emergencies, the UN is hesitating to call it a famine.
From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2021
One of the reasons the Hallmark actress is hesitating: Reports say she's concerned about the potential impact on her daughters.
From Fox News ● Apr. 13, 2019
But the government is hesitating to grant her request, according to the people close to the case, fearing that doing so would set a bad example for future investigations.
From New York Times ● Jan. 30, 2013
There is a pause, and Dedd already guesses what Minou is hesitating to say, for therein awaits another scold.
From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez
