WordGarden.ioindecisive
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌɪndɪsˈaɪsɪv/
US
- /ˌɪndɪˈsaɪsɪv/
Meanings
Adjective
unable or slow to make decisions
not producing a clear or final result
Beyond the definition
Imagine you're at an ice cream shop with dozens of flavors. If you're indecisive, you spend forever staring at the menu, changing your mind every few seconds, and maybe even leaving without getting anything! It means struggling to make a choice, often because you see merit in multiple options at once.
Indecisive people aren't necessarily foolish—they often just consider all options very carefully (sometimes too carefully). A politician might be described as indecisive if they delay making important decisions, fearing backlash from any course of action. It's different from simply being uncertain; it's the inability to commit to a choice even after the facts are laid out.
To be indecisive means being unable to make clear decisions quickly and confidently. It's more than just taking time to think something over; it's a persistent difficulty in choosing between options, often accompanied by anxiety or a fear of making the wrong decision.
You might describe someone as indecisive if they constantly second-guess themselves, flip-flop between choices, or ask for endless opinions from others before finally settling on something (or not!). For example: "She was terribly indecisive about what to wear to the party, trying on outfit after outfit."
Indecisiveness can stem from a variety of factors: fear of failure, perfectionism, a lack of information, or simply an overabundance of options. It's common in situations with high stakes or complex consequences. A company might be described as indecisive if it delays launching a new product due to minor concerns about market reception, allowing competitors to take the lead.
However, taking your time isn't always negative. Sometimes careful consideration is valuable! But when it leads to chronic inaction or missed opportunities, it becomes problematic. It's important to distinguish between thoughtful deliberation and a fundamental inability to commit—the latter is what defines truly indecisive behavior.
Examples
- 1
Restaurant choices
She's so indecisive that she changes her order every time we go out to eat.
- 2
Course choice
I'm still indecisive about which course to take next semester.
- 3
Job offer
He seemed indecisive about whether to accept the job offer.
- 4
Management
The team's indecisive manager kept delaying the final decision.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Election
Many indecisive voters wait until the last week of the campaign.
- 6
Sports result
Neither side scored, and the match ended in an indecisive draw.
- Phrasean indecisive draw
a tied result that does not settle who is better
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- indecisive person
- indecisive about
- seem indecisive
Word family
- indecisively
- indecisiveness
Explore
- decision-making
- procrastination
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- indecisiveadjective