as in weak
formal
not certain about what to do; not resolute
He has been criticized as an irresolute leader.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in hesitation
a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action
after a moment of anguished irresolution, I raised my rifle and fired at the charging animal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of irresolute
Michael Santoli, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2024
Showing signs of being irresolute can signal weakness that adversaries take note of.
—Michael Poznansky, Foreign Affairs, 5 Jan. 2024
In short, Obama’s apparent restraint appears irresolute, whereas Putin comes across as a strong, decisive master strategist who exploits Obama’s weakness and keeps Washington off balance.
—Alexander Cooley, Foreign Affairs, 18 Oct. 2015
Vernon’s sea power duly secured the Panamanian export hub of Porto Bello (which would give its name to London’s Portobello Road), but the irresolute Wentworth was ignominiously defeated in his halfhearted attempts to capture Cartagena (in modern-day Colombia) and Santiago, Cuba.
—Washington Post, 10 Nov. 2021
In some states, the confusion felt by providers and patients is compounded by ambiguous, irresolute language in the new and forthcoming laws themselves.
—Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 2 July 2022
That phrase is a call back to the ancestors and an acknowledgment that you were not raised to be fearful and irresolute.
—Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2021
Sessions became unpopular within the agency for irresolute leadership, according to a 1993 New York Times article that described him as having a short attention span and being disinterested in bureaucratic details.
—Stephen Miller, Bloomberg.com, 11 June 2020
More unsettling than terrifying, the story (by the directors and Sergio Casci) builds to a leisurely, irresolute and unsatisfying climax.
—Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2020
Adjective
The prevailing sense among investors and market handicappers entering the month was to expect choppy, irresolute action full of potential scares.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2024
Showing signs of being irresolute can signal weakness that adversaries take note of.
—Michael Poznansky, Foreign Affairs, 5 Jan. 2024
In short, Obama’s apparent restraint appears irresolute, whereas Putin comes across as a strong, decisive master strategist who exploits Obama’s weakness and keeps Washington off balance.
—Alexander Cooley, Foreign Affairs, 18 Oct. 2015
Vernon’s sea power duly secured the Panamanian export hub of Porto Bello (which would give its name to London’s Portobello Road), but the irresolute Wentworth was ignominiously defeated in his halfhearted attempts to capture Cartagena (in modern-day Colombia) and Santiago, Cuba.
—Washington Post, 10 Nov. 2021
In some states, the confusion felt by providers and patients is compounded by ambiguous, irresolute language in the new and forthcoming laws themselves.
—Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 2 July 2022
That phrase is a call back to the ancestors and an acknowledgment that you were not raised to be fearful and irresolute.
—Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2021
Sessions became unpopular within the agency for irresolute leadership, according to a 1993 New York Times article that described him as having a short attention span and being disinterested in bureaucratic details.
—Stephen Miller, Bloomberg.com, 11 June 2020
More unsettling than terrifying, the story (by the directors and Sergio Casci) builds to a leisurely, irresolute and unsatisfying climax.
—Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irresolute
Adjective
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The Trade Desk missed fourth-quarter revenue estimates and issued weak guidance.—
Medora Lee,
USA TODAY,
14 Feb. 2025
-
Why Does Taste Sensitivity Matter for Weight Loss? Previous research on how people with obesity perceive taste suggested that weaker taste sensitivity may cause some people to eat more of certain foods to feel satisfied.—
Becky Upham,
EverydayHealth.com,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Republican support But other Republicans had no hesitation in backing her.—
David Lightman,
Sacramento Bee,
12 Feb. 2025
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Additionally, Butler had initial hesitation in going to the Bay.—
Kristan Hawkins,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
While some agencies provided guidance on how employees should phrase their responses, others remained uncertain.—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Alexander’s future Cornerback Jaire Alexander’s future in Green Bay remains uncertain.—
Matt Schneidman,
The Athletic,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
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There’s a fight ahead, and Jacob’s hesitancy to accept the changing times likely won’t be his ally in it.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
23 Feb. 2025
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Zoom out: The effort comes as some Republicans express hesitancy about Chavez-DeRemer.—
Stef W. Kight,
Axios,
30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Republicans remain hesitant to support any sort of tax increases, and the General Assembly is focused on Hurricane Helene disaster recovery and crafting a budget.—
Alexandria Sands,
Axios,
24 Feb. 2025
-
For those still feeling hesitant, beginning a hobby in the privacy of your home can help ease discomfort.—
Julianna Bragg,
CNN,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
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In 2019, when recounting that milestone from her own perspective, McCaskey first recalled the sharp anxiety leading up to the game and her hesitance to answer any of the league’s logistical questions about preparing for the trophy presentation ceremony.—
Dan Wiederer,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Feb. 2025
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Intelligence officials are likely to be concerned about the long-term effect that Trump’s policies will have on their agencies’ roles and authorities, leading to caution and hesitance that harm operational effectiveness.—
Peter Schroeder,
Foreign Affairs,
17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Most of this day is a Moon Alert, which means people feel indecisive and at loose ends.—
Georgia Nicols,
The Denver Post,
12 Feb. 2025
-
However, a Libra’s love of balance can sometimes lead them to be indecisive.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Nov. 2024
Noun
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An offer sheet for this player would need to be significant to give Bowman pause, so $10 million times seven seasons would need to be a comfort zone for an opposition general manager.—
Allan Mitchell,
The Athletic,
21 Feb. 2025
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The program is on pause after legal challenges from states, and the amount of savings its elimination could generate, $150 billion or more, depends on the status of the litigation.—
Margot Sanger-Katz,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Irresolute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irresolute. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.
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