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

Another man full of indecision is Grant, who seems to bounce back and forth from hooking up with Natalie to missing Ashley. —Charlotte Walsh, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2025

Analysts say that the candidates’ lackluster campaigns failed to entice apathetic young people and generated unusual levels of voter indecision. —Nayara Batschke, Los Angeles Times, 25 Nov. 2024

There’s the immediate shift of heartbeat into high gear, the realization that the gobbler has the edge on you, and the indecision that usually gives him an even bigger edge. —Larry Dablemont, Outdoor Life, 5 Mar. 2025

Make hard decisions like the ultra successful Top performers cut through indecision with speed and certainty. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 27 Feb. 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

Rhymes for indecision

• cablevision
• circumcision
• imprecision
• subdivision
• supervision
• television
• abscission
• collision
• decision
• derision
• division
• elision

Kids Definition

indecision

noun

in·​de·​ci·​sion ˌin-di-ˈsizh-ən 

: slowness or trouble in making up one's mind