decision

1 of 2

noun

de·​ci·​sion di-ˈsi-zhən How to pronounce decision (audio)
1
a
: 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
4
a
: 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
decisional
di-ˈsi-zhnəl How to pronounce decision (audio)
-ˈsi-zhə-nᵊl
adjective

decision

2 of 2

verb

decisioned; decisioning; decisions

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

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
The firm guides tax planning and regulatory compliance, helping businesses streamline operations and make smarter decisions. William Mullane, USA TODAY, 14 Sep. 2024 As with nearly all location decisions, the key factor is whether the state is willing to offer a tax incentive. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 13 Sep. 2024
Verb
Wise decisions: Sticking in Britain, Max sat down with Theresa Wise ahead of the Royal Television Society Convention next week. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2024 In 2024, the ladies who show up as their most authentic selves on the court are also taking risks in regard to the style decisions their making off the court. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 28 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for decision 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'decision.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English decisioun, borrowed from Anglo-French decision "judgment" (Middle French also "act of deciding, coming to a definitive conclusion"), borrowed from Latin dēcīsiōn-, dēcīsio "curtailment, diminishment, settlement, agreement," from dēcīdere "to cut off, cut out, mark by cutting, settle, choose as a course of action" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at decide

Verb

derivative of decision entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1914, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near decision

Cite this Entry

“Decision.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decision. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

decision

noun
de·​ci·​sion
di-ˈsizh-ən
1
: the act or result of deciding
the decision of the court
2
: promptness and firmness in deciding : determination
a leader of courage and decision

Legal Definition

decision

noun
de·​ci·​sion di-ˈsi-zhən How to pronounce decision (audio)
: 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.

decisional adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on decision

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