decision

play

noun de·ci·sion \di-ˈsi-zhən\

Definition of decision

1a : the act or process of deciding the moment of decision has comeb : 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 Timesb baseball : a win or loss officially credited to a pitcher has five wins in eight decisions

decisional

play \-ˈsi-zhnəl, -ˈsi-zhə-n^əl\ adjective

See decision defined for English-language learners

See decision defined for kids

Examples of decision in a Sentence

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 of decision from the Web

Initially Britain’s decision not to publish a detailed negotiating position, as the EU had, was put down to its desire to avoid giving away its hand.

— The Economist, "Britain faces up to Brexit," 22 July 2017
A trial court decision that Microsoft should be broken up was overturned on appeal (though not the court’s finding of monopoly), and ultimately the case was settled by the George W. Bush administration.

— paula dwyer, Bloomberg.com, "Should America’s Tech Giants Be Broken Up?," 20 July 2017
Ms. Lieberman praised the state’s decision not to defend.

— sarah maslin nir, New York Times, "New York Farmworkers to Argue in State Supreme Court for Right to Organize," 19 July 2017
The massive amount of dysfunction and paperwork that will result from this decision boggles the mind.

— jocelyn kaiser, Science | AAAS, "Some scientists hate NIH’s new definition of a clinical trial. Here's why," 19 July 2017
So public school districts are hesitant to ... make decisions collaboratively with institutions outside of their orbit.

— amadou diallo, The Atlantic, "A Rust Belt City's School Turnaround," 18 July 2017
Canary declined comment on the Capri board's decision, other than to say that the board's action speaks for itself.

— mike cason, AL.com, "Montgomery theater may reconsider showing of Siegelman documentary," 18 July 2017
Buck said a separate board is not needed, and all the decisions related to the water system can be handled by the town board during its regular meetings, adding that there is no need to dissolve a board that was never created.

— susan demar lafferty, Daily Southtown, "Trustees question legality of Lockport Township Utility Board," 18 July 2017
Cantrell's decision to focus on outreach may indicate plans to seek donors later in the campaign, a strategy that could keep the race tight since dollars don't go to polling stations.

— richard rainey, NOLA.com, "Desiree Charbonnet's fundraising dominates early New Orleans mayor's race," 18 July 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.

Origin and Etymology of decision

Middle English decisioun, from Middle French, from Latin decision-, decisio, from decidere to decide

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

decision

verb de·ci·sion

Definition of decision

combat sports

transitive verb
: 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

Recent Examples of decision from the Web

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

Origin and Etymology of decision

see ¹decision

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1914

See Words from the same year

DECISION Defined for English Language Learners

decision

play

noun

Definition of decision for English Language Learners

: 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

DECISION Defined for Kids

decision

play

noun de·ci·sion \di-ˈsi-zhən\

Definition of decision for Students

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.

Law Dictionary

decision

play

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

decisional

\-zhə-nəl\ play adjective

Additional Notes on decision

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.