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

Barron is a good skater with a decent shot and strong offensive instincts, but his game in his own end has suffered from moments of indecision and a lack of assertiveness in killing plays, leading to extended shifts in the defensive zone. —Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 19 Dec. 2024

The Christmas lights are on, party season is in full swing and the debilitating indecision that haunts shopping for family members is building. —Paul Caputo, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

And senior health officials were critical of Trump’s indecision and delays in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. —Frederic B. Hill, Baltimore Sun, 4 Dec. 2024

The first and primary source of delay is indecision. —Bridget Read, Curbed, 1 Nov. 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