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

By the time Odysseus washes ashore, battered and weakened, even her son, Telemachus (Charlie Plummer), has grown tired of her indecision, hoping to move on from the limbo of waiting. —Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024

Every minute spent stuck in indecision is a minute wasted. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024

During the show, cast member Heidi Gardner, who played McEntire, made light of the country star's indecision about whom to support in the election. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024

This year, however, mandatory recounts could delay results, causing a longer stint of indecision that executives on the earnings media circuit might have to address. —Eleanor Hawkins, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024

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