decision

noun

de·ci·sion | \di-ˈsi-zhən

Definition of decision

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : the act or process of deciding the moment of decision has come

b : a determination arrived at after consideration : conclusion made the decision to attend graduate school

2 : a report of a conclusion a 5-page decision a Supreme Court decision

3 : promptness and firmness in deciding : determination acting with decision

4a : win specifically, combat sports : a victory based on points awarded Former heavyweight champion kickboxer Sterling (Cash) McCallum took a unanimous decision over Cesar Rendon in an eight-round standard bout in Phoenix … — New York Times

b baseball : a win or loss officially credited to a pitcher has five wins in eight decisions

decision

verb

Definition of decision (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

combat sports

: to win by being awarded more points than (an opponent) … he hasn't won an important fight since he decisioned Duran on Jan. 30, 1982.— William Nack

Other Words from decision Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about decision

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Examples of decision in a Sentence

Noun

She announced her decision to go to medical school. Have you made a decision? He based his decision on facts, not emotions. She made a conscious decision to leave the painting unfinished. We need someone who will act with decision even under pressure. The U.S. Supreme Court's 1954 decision brought an end to racial segregation in public schools.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Opponents of the deal, including the Communications Workers of America union and 22 Democratic senators, as well as some prominent conservatives, are urging the FCC to await the outcome of a related federal court case before making a decision. — Christa Case Bryant, The Christian Science Monitor, "As news ownership consolidates, will local TV become more partisan?," 13 July 2018 The airport reviewed the possibilities for technological improvements two years ago and made a decision to enhance security, according to Lennon, but is not yet ready to disclose what improvements are planned. — Kelly Yamanouchi, ajc, "Fence jumpers highlight security vulnerability at Hartsfield-Jackson," 12 July 2018 Yet when faced with the vehicle that can take her and her child, Holly, away from this hellhole, June makes a surprising decision. — refinery29.com, "The Handmaid's Tale Recap Season 2, Episode 13: The Martha Express," 11 July 2018 To help us with high-pressure situations and decision-making. — Marcus Hayes, Philly.com, "The apps and gadgets the Sixers use to track their players | Marcus Hayes," 10 July 2018 With 29 members and unanimous decision-making, NATO hardly is equipped to absorb new responsibilities. — Elisabeth Braw, WSJ, "Europe’s Little Alliances Can Help Bolster NATO," 10 July 2018 Learn topics such as healthy eating, exercise, better balance, decision making, goal setting, effective communication and more. — Courant Community, "Community News For The Colchester Edition," 10 July 2018 Disturbed by the scene, Fox executives made the decision to move to a nearby studio. — David Bauder, The Seattle Times, "Demonstrators force Fox crew from Supreme Court broadcast," 10 July 2018 The pilot made the decision to issue the bail-out order. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "The U.S. Navy Once Shot Down One of its Own Planes on Purpose," 10 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The first period also included Scott Laughton decisioning Chicago defenseman Connor Murphy in a fight. — Sam Carchidi, Philly.com, "Radko Gudas injured as Flyers fall to Crawford, Blackhawks," 1 Nov. 2017 Chris Early of Don Juan Avila decisioned Seth Lyon of Niguel Hills and four other finalists to win bodyboarding. — Fred Swegles, Orange County Register, "Shorecliffs surfers win O.C. event at San Clemente pier," 28 Mar. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'decision.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near decision

Phrases Related to decision

hand down a decision

informed decision

overturn the decision

split-second decision

take a decision

uphold the decision

Statistics for decision

Last Updated

21 Oct 2018

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Time Traveler for decision

The first known use of decision was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for decision

decision

noun

English Language Learners Definition of decision

: a choice that you make about something after thinking about it : the result of deciding

: the ability to make choices quickly and confidently

: the particular end of a legal or official argument : a legal or official judgment

See the full definition for decision in the English Language Learners Dictionary

decision

noun

de·ci·sion | \di-ˈsi-zhən

Kids Definition of decision

1 : the act or result of making a choice especially after careful thought “… I have come to a very important decision. These are the wrong sort of bees.”— A. A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

2 : the ability to make choices quickly and confidently She was a leader of courage and decision.

decision

noun

de·ci·sion | \di-ˈsi-zhən

Legal Definition of decision

: an authoritative determination (as a decree or judgment) made after consideration of facts or law also : a report or document containing such a determination — see also memorandum decision — compare disposition, finding, holding, judgment, opinion, ruling, verdict

Note: A decision, while being an authoritative determination of a disputed issue, does not have to be a final determination closing the case. Some interlocutory decisions may be appealed.