hesitation

American  

[hez-i-tey-shuhn] / ˌhɛz ɪˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of hesitating; a delay due to uncertainty of mind or fear.

   His hesitation cost him the championship.

2. a state of doubt or uncertainty.

   Synonyms:

   vacillation , irresolution , indecision , hesitancy

3. a halting or faltering in speech.

   Synonyms:

   stammer

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Other Word Forms

• prehesitation noun

Etymology

Origin of hesitation

First recorded in 1615–25, hesitation is from the Latin word haesitātiōn- (stem of haesitātiō ). See hesitate, -ion

Example Sentences

In various regions, there is “a growing hesitation” over becoming too dependent on U.S. tech behemoths, which authorities have found increasingly difficult to regulate, said Vikram Singh.

From The Wall Street Journal

Cricket reached her through specialised schools, where teachers encouraged her to try the game despite her hesitation.

From BBC

“Our customers tell us that they remain on the sidelines due to uncertainty and perhaps the hesitation to make larger financial commitments amid an uncertain economic environment,” Chief Financial Officer Richard McPhail said Tuesday.

From The Wall Street Journal

“This all comes together in the form of hesitation to take on larger financial commitments,” such as remodels, said Home Depot Chief Financial Officer Richard McPhail.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We have no choice,” posted China’s consul general in Osaka, “but to cut off that dirty neck that has lunged at us without a moment’s hesitation. Are you ready?”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• doubt
• equivocation
• hesitancy
• indecision
• misgiving
• mistrust
• pause
• procrastination
• qualm
• reluctance
• skepticism
• unwillingness
• vacillation