hesitancy

/ˈhɛzɪtənsi/
noun
  1. The quality or state of being slow to act or speak because of doubt, uncertainty, or reluctance (similar to hesitance, but often implies a more habitual or characteristic trait).
    • His natural hesitancy in social situations made it hard for him to make new friends.
    • She spoke with a slight hesitancy, as if she wasn't sure of her own opinion.
    • The government's hesitancy to act on climate change frustrated many activists.
What does "hesitancy" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean