indecision

noun

in·​de·​ci·​sion ˌin-di-ˈsi-zhən How to pronounce indecision (audio)
: a wavering between two or more possible courses of action : irresolution

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 The time for indecision is over if the West is to save itself. Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 6 Nov. 2023 Also last week, Finebaum , an SEC Network analyst, said Saban displayed petulance and indecision in addition to bullying the local media by refusing to release a depth chart. Mark Heim | Mheim@al.com, al, 3 Sep. 2023 The prominent ultranationalist and commentator on the war had accused Putin of weakness and indecision in Ukraine. Patrick Smith, NBC News, 2 Sep. 2023 The funding hiccup eventually gets resolved by improbable means, but Giovanni is gripped by indecision, changing his mind repeatedly about the bleak ending for the Ennio character and for any faith in the party to stay on the right side of history. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 May 2023 The trade-off is that indecision comes with a cost, one way or another. Martha C. White, wsj.com, 16 Oct. 2023 On one side, there are those who blame the leadership for its inept management of the war—missteps, indecision, corruption—and believe that Prigozhin had some valid points. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 27 June 2023 As frustrating as the House’s indecision may be for the White House and the Senate, McCarthy faces his own vexing path forward. Jeff Stein, Washington Post, 29 Sep. 2023 Lisa is an illustrator, for what that’s worth, not without her own fears and indecision and impracticality. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'indecision.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of indecision was circa 1763

Dictionary Entries Near indecision

Cite this Entry

“Indecision.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indecision. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

indecision

noun
in·​de·​ci·​sion ˌin-di-ˈsizh-ən How to pronounce indecision (audio)
: slowness or trouble in making up one's mind

More from Merriam-Webster on indecision

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