indecision

noun

in·​de·​ci·​sion ˌin-di-ˈsi-zhən 

: a wavering between two or more possible courses of action : irresolution

Synonyms

• faltering
• fence-sitting
• hesitance
• hesitancy
• hesitation
• irresolution
• pause
• shilly-shally
• shilly-shallying
• vacillation
• wavering
• wobbling
• wabbling

Examples of indecision in a Sentence

They were paralyzed by indecision.

her indecision about where to go for dinner, while everyone was getting hungrier by the minute, was frustrating

Recent Examples on the Web

Ultimately, that indecision set the USWNT up for failure at that World Cup 18 months ago, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. —Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025

Charming and cooperative, Libras are mediators at heart, but their desire to keep the peace can also lead to indecision and people-pleasing tendencies. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 27 Sep. 2024

TikTok’s unprecedented ban in the U.S. remains in the balance, with politics and judicial indecision keeping 170 million users in a social media limbo land ahead of Sunday’s deadline. —Zak Doffman, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

To be sure, British primary and secondary education has seen some improvements, and after early indecision, the government’s COVID-19 vaccine policy was reasonably effective. —Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French indécision, from indécis undecided, from Late Latin indecisus, from Latin in- + decisus, past participle of decidere to decide

First Known Use

circa 1763, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

indecision

noun

in·​de·​ci·​sion ˌin-di-ˈsizh-ən 

: slowness or trouble in making up one's mind