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 Annie Blackman Fulani Braids Are the Perfect Hybrid Protective Style The versatile hairstyle will put an end to your indecision. —Liz Krieger, Allure, 15 Apr. 2025

This taught me that indecision can be costlier than making tough calls. —Wayne Yu, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025

While cognitive variability is useful, too much can lead to damaging indecision or inefficiency. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025

All of the top 10 teams are capable of going on a Final Four run, but each has flaws that can be exposed in specific matchups, whether that’s South Carolina’s small frontcourt, UConn’s inconsistent shooting, UCLA’s indecision in close games, USC’s lack of secondary scoring options. —Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic, 17 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