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

Key decision-makers did not make sufficient use of the extensive expertise across the Defense Department to guide the Israeli military on how make gains against Hamas while minimizing civilian harm in Gaza’s dense urban environments. — Dafna H. Rand, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2026

The Pulse of Work in 2026 study, which surveyed 2,500 employees and IT decision-makers across ten countries, found that employees save more than two hours per day using AI tools. — Dan Schawbel, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026

Multiple times over the weekend, Twins decision-makers acknowledged the surreal nature of their position only one year after the biggest fire sale in major-league history, in which 10 players were traded off the roster. — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Inclusion without a clear decision-maker can create frustration and paralysis. — Jessica Hill Holm, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 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