hesitation

(noun) indecision in speech or action. Synonyms: vacillation, wavering.

(noun) a certain degree of unwillingness. Synonyms: reluctance, hesitancy, disinclination, indisposition. Examples: "A reluctance to commit himself." "His hesitancy revealed his basic indisposition." "After some hesitation he agreed."

(noun) the act of pausing uncertainly. Synonyms: waver, falter, faltering. Example: "There was a hesitation in his speech."