What does hesitation mean?
Hesitation means a pause or delay, especially one caused by uncertainty, indecision, or reluctance. It can describe a specific moment, as when someone stops before answering a difficult question, or a broader pattern of behavior, as when someone hesitates to accept an opportunity. The word is useful because it makes visible a small but meaningful interruption in thought or action. Hesitation may be entirely natural and thoughtful, but it can also suggest nervousness, uncertainty, or a lack of decisiveness. In phrases such as “without hesitation,” it conveys speed, certainty, or readiness. The related adjective “hesitant” and the closely related noun “hesitancy” express similar ideas in different grammatical forms. Overall, hesitation describes the space between intention and action: a brief delay in which confidence, judgment, or willingness is being tested.
nounA brief pause or delay caused by uncertainty, indecision, or reluctance to act. It can also refer more generally to a state of indecision or unwillingness to proceed.
- A brief pause or delay caused by uncertainty, indecision, or reluctance to act.
- Unwillingness or reluctance to proceed with an action.
- A state of indecision or uncertainty about what to do.
"After a moment's hesitation, she accepted the invitation."
"He answered with a slight hesitation before giving his name."
"Her hesitation to speak suggested that she was uncomfortable with the question."
The standard plural is “hesitations,” used for multiple moments of pause or uncertainty.
"Her brief hesitations revealed that she was still weighing her options."
Hesitation is the small pause in which a decision is still being made.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How hesitation is actually used
The word is common in both formal and informal English. It often suggests a pause in action or speech, and it can carry a mild negative connotation when it implies avoidable delay or lack of confidence.
Easily confused with hesitation
Hesitation usually refers to a specific pause or moment of indecision, whereas hesitancy more often describes a general tendency to hesitate.