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

As decisions have become more complicated, decision-makers have retreated behind lawyers for cover. —U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Dec. 2025

But the Dolphins’ decision-makers need to realize this problem is real, a hindrance to the team, seemingly isn’t going anywhere. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 30 Nov. 2025

Universality is a key decision-maker for the marketing team at General Motors' top-selling vehicle brand Chevrolet when choosing inspiration for its 'Holiday Card to America' advertisement. —Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 29 Nov. 2025

As a result, the decision-makers clearly viewed the environment, understood the changing conditions, and planned their rescue actions with accuracy. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2025

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