Hesitancy: meaning, definitions and examples

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hesitancy

[ˈhɛzɪtənsi ]

Definitions

^{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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hesitancy	Use this word when describing a slight pause or delay in action due to uncertainty or lack of confidence. She felt a moment of hesitancy before stepping on stage
indecisiveness	Ideal for describing a person's habitual or characteristic inability to make decisions promptly or confidently. This word often carries a negative connotation. His indecisiveness frustrated his colleagues
doubt	Apply this term when there is a feeling of being unsure about something or someone, often associated with questioning or lack of trust. He expressed doubt about the accuracy of the report
uncertainty	Suitable for expressing a general state of being unsure about something, often related to future events or outcomes. The uncertainty of the weather makes planning difficult
indecision	This word is best used when someone is unable to make a decision, typically due to equal uncertainty about multiple options. Her indecision cost them the opportunity

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hesitancy	Hesitancy is used when someone is slow to act or speak due to uncertainty or nervousness. It often implies a pause or delay. Her hesitancy to answer the question made everyone wonder if she knew the answer. There was a moment of hesitancy before he jumped into the pool.
reluctance	Reluctance is used when someone is unwilling or disinclined to do something. It suggests a lack of enthusiasm or desire. She showed reluctance to attend the meeting. His reluctance to participate was evident in his body language.
doubt	Doubt refers to a state of mind where someone is unsure or lacks confidence in something. It often implies questioning the truth or reality. I have doubts about the accuracy of that article. He expressed doubt over the team's ability to win.
skepticism	Skepticism refers to a doubting or questioning attitude, often implying a critical approach towards information or beliefs. It can sometimes suggest a healthy dose of suspicion. He approached the claim with skepticism. Her skepticism about the product's benefits kept her from buying it.
resistance	Resistance involves a more active refusal or opposition to something, rather than just a hesitation. It can have a negative connotation when referring to stubbornness or defiance. There was considerable resistance to the implementation of the new policy. She met with resistance when she tried to change the company's direction.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'haesitans', which means 'sticking' or 'hesitating'.
It entered the English language in the 14th century, reflecting a sense of pause or delay in action.

Psychology

Hesitancy can be linked to fear of failure, as the thinker may avoid making a decision to escape potential mistakes.
Cognitive overload can cause hesitancy, where too many choices make it difficult to decide.
Research shows that people often hesitate more when they feel they are being judged on their decisions.

Social Behavior

People may display hesitancy in conversations, especially in group settings, due to social anxiety or a desire for acceptance.
In negotiations, hesitancy can be strategic, as individuals may delay to gather more information or leverage.

Literature

Many literary characters showcase hesitancy, often reflecting internal conflict, such as Hamlet's indecision throughout Shakespeare's play.
Hesitancy is frequently used in poetry to convey doubt and emotional struggle, enriching the theme of uncertainty.

Pop Culture

In films, characters that hesitate in critical moments often create suspense, engaging viewers emotionally.
Songs about relationships often explore themes of hesitancy, portraying the struggle of expressing feelings.

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

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.

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21391 campaigned
21392 socializing
21393 fob
21394 hesitancy
21395 cracker
21396 typist
21397 suddenness
...