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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Simple can be better for those of us who struggle with indecision or prefer a minimalist aesthetic. Architectural Digest, 10 Oct. 2025 And every time, something has happened to swing momentum back toward indecision. Levi Weaver, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025 His Zen talk now masked his indecision, and he’d been supplanted by an unsettling, de-aged digital doppelgänger hellbent on a campaign of conquest and the Tron equivalent of ethnic cleansing. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2025 Throughout her many times as a political candidate and office holder, Harris has been dogged by allegations of incompetence and indecision, fueled by anonymous quotes and unbelievably bad public appearances. Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indecision

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

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Cite this Entry

“Indecision.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indecision. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

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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