indecision

noun

in·​de·​ci·​sion ˌin-di-ˈsi-zhən 

: a wavering between two or more possible courses of action : irresolution

Synonyms

• faltering
• fence-sitting
• hesitance
• hesitancy
• hesitation
• irresolution
• pause
• shilly-shally
• shilly-shallying
• vacillation
• wavering
• wobbling
• wabbling

Examples of indecision in a Sentence

They were paralyzed by indecision.

her indecision about where to go for dinner, while everyone was getting hungrier by the minute, was frustrating

Recent Examples on the Web

According to Joseph Ferrari, a social psychologist at DePaul University who studies indecision, this is a type. —Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 23 Sep. 2024

Archon Fung, a Harvard political science professor who teaches a course titled Politics and Ethics in Unstable Times — offered a solution to voters caught in indecision. —Luke Garrett, NPR, 22 Sep. 2024

For some, regret might be slow-brewing indecision that amounts to loss, like not having children. —Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2024

Consensus-building can be time-consuming and lead to indecision when quick decisions are needed. —Andriana Eliadis, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French indécision, from indécis undecided, from Late Latin indecisus, from Latin in- + decisus, past participle of decidere to decide

First Known Use

circa 1763, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

indecision

noun

in·​de·​ci·​sion ˌin-di-ˈsizh-ən 

: slowness or trouble in making up one's mind