Hesitation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌhe-zə-ˈtā-shən/ hes·i·ta·tion

Meaning & Definition of Hesitation

Hesitation (noun)

  1. an act or instance of hesitating
  2. a pausing or faltering in speech

Hesitation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action

    "one moment's hesitation on my part, and the elusive butterfly was lost to me forever"

    similar: faltering, fence-sitting, hesitance, hesitancy, indecision, irresolution, pause, shilly-shally, shilly-shallying, vacillation, wavering, wobbling
    related: delay, hawing, procrastination, waiting, arrière-pensée, misgiving, second thought, consideration, debate, deliberation, doubt, incertitude, indecisiveness, indetermination, uncertainness, uncertainty, avoidance, equivocation, aversion, disinclination, indisposition, reluctance, unwillingness, faintheartedness, shyness, timidity, timidness
    near: certainty, certitude, confidence, decisiveness, determination, firmness, resoluteness, resolution, sureness, alacrity, eagerness, readiness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Hesitation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Hesitation:

faltering, fence-sitting, hesitance, hesitancy, indecision, irresolution, pause, shilly-shally, shilly-shallying, vacillation, wavering, wobbling

Related Words for Hesitation

delay, hawing, procrastination, waiting, arrière-pensée, misgiving, second thought, consideration, debate, deliberation, doubt, incertitude, indecisiveness, indetermination, uncertainness, uncertainty, avoidance, equivocation, aversion, disinclination, indisposition, reluctance, unwillingness, faintheartedness, shyness, timidity, timidness

Near Antonyms of Hesitation

certainty, certitude, confidence, decisiveness, determination, firmness, resoluteness, resolution, sureness, alacrity, eagerness, readiness

Origin & Etymology of Hesitation

First known use: 15th century

Words & Phrases Containing Hesitation

without hesitation

Frequently Asked Questions about Hesitation

What does "Hesitation" mean?

"Hesitation" means an act or instance of hesitating. As a noun, it is defined as: an act or instance of hesitating.

What is another word for "Hesitation"?

Other words for "Hesitation" include faltering, fence-sitting, hesitance, hesitancy, indecision, irresolution, pause and shilly-shally. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Hesitation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Hesitation"?

There are 39 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Hesitation". Common alternatives include faltering, fence-sitting, hesitance, hesitancy, indecision, irresolution, pause, shilly-shally, shilly-shallying and vacillation.

How do you use "Hesitation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Hesitation" in a sentence: "one moment's hesitation on my part, and the elusive butterfly was lost to me forever".

Is "Hesitation" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Hesitation" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Hesitation"?

"Hesitation" is pronounced /ˌhe-zə-ˈtā-shən/ and divided into syllables as hes·i·ta·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Hesitation"?

First known use: 15th century.

What is another word for "Hesitation" meaning "a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action"?

When "Hesitation" (noun) means a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action, synonyms include faltering, fence-sitting, hesitance, hesitancy, indecision and irresolution.