decision-maker

noun

de·​ci·​sion-mak·​er di-ˈsi-zhən-ˌmā-kər 

variants or less commonly decision maker

plural decision-makers also decision makers

: someone who is known or primarily responsible for making decisions

a good decision-maker

one of the company's key/top decision makers

However, this does not permit corrections personnel or a warden to automatically assume the role of the patient's medical decision-maker.

—Erik Larsen and Katherine Drabiak

Examples of decision-maker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ross Wilson, Newcastle’s sporting director, and David Hopkinson, the chief executive officer (CEO), were the two key decision-makers during the window, while Simon Capper, the chief financial officer (CFO), was also an influential voice. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Even within a broad category like Wasian, there is a preferred look among decision-makers that is East Asian coded. — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026

Like many Canadian decision-makers, Austin says the local industry needs more stability in the face of multiple challenges happening simultaneously, from American streaming dominance to Trump bullying. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, which further drove countries apart and into blocs, made decision-makers and ordinary citizens worry even more. — Da Wei, Foreign Affairs, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for decision-maker

• policymaker
• automaker
• boilermaker
• cabinetmaker
• coffeemaker
• troublemaker
• undertaker
• blackacre
• caretaker
• clockmaker
• dressmaker
• filmmaker