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Hesitancy: meaning, definitions and examples

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hesitancy

 

[ ˈhɛzɪtənsi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

feeling

Hesitancy is the state of being unsure or uncertain about what to do or say. It involves a delay in making a decision or taking action.

Synonyms

doubt, indecision, indecisiveness, uncertainty

Examples of usage

  • The hesitancy in his voice made it clear that he was not confident in his answer.
  • Her hesitancy to speak up in meetings often led to missed opportunities.
  • I could sense the hesitancy in her body language as she approached the stage.
Context #2 | Noun

healthcare

In healthcare, hesitancy refers to the reluctance or delay in accepting vaccinations or medical treatments. It is often driven by concerns about safety, efficacy, or side effects.

Synonyms

doubt, reluctance, resistance, skepticism

Examples of usage

  • Vaccine hesitancy has become a significant challenge in public health efforts.
  • The doctor addressed the patient's hesitancy towards surgery by providing more information.
  • Efforts to combat vaccine hesitancy include targeted education and outreach programs.

Translations

Translations of the word "hesitancy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hesitação

🇮🇳 संकोच

🇩🇪 Zögerlichkeit

🇮🇩 keraguan

🇺🇦 вагання

🇵🇱 wahanie

🇯🇵 ためらい

🇫🇷 hésitation

🇪🇸 vacilación

🇹🇷 tereddüt

🇰🇷 주저함

🇸🇦 تردد

🇨🇿 váhání

🇸🇰 váhanie

🇨🇳 犹豫

🇸🇮 oklevanje

🇮🇸 hika

🇰🇿 күмән

🇬🇪 დ hesitancy

🇦🇿 şübhə

🇲🇽 vacilación

Etymology

The word 'hesitancy' originated from the Latin word 'haesitantia', which means 'irresolution' or 'indecision'. The concept of hesitancy has been present throughout history, reflecting the human tendency to pause or delay in making choices. In modern usage, hesitancy is commonly associated with decision-making processes and healthcare discussions.

See also: hesitant, hesitating, hesitation.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,394, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.