Definition

1. Noun:
   • The state of being unable to make a decision: "Indecision" refers to the condition of hesitating between choices or being uncertain about what to do.
   • The quality of being irresolute: It can also describe a character trait of lacking firmness or determination.

Usage

• "Indecision" is an uncountable noun. It describes a state or quality, not individual instances.
• It is often used with verbs like , , , or .
• Common prepositions used with it are and (e.g., indecision about something).

Examples

• Noun:
  • Her chronic indecision makes it very difficult to plan anything.
  • After hours of indecision, he finally chose the blue tie.
  • The committee's indecision over the proposal led to further delays.

Advanced Usage

• "to be gripped by indecision": to be completely controlled by an inability to decide.
  • She was gripped by indecision and couldn't leave the house.
• "a moment of indecision": a brief period of hesitation.
  • A single moment of indecision cost him the race.

Variants and Related Words

• Indecisiveness (n): The quality of being indecisive; often used interchangeably with "indecision" as a character trait.
  • His indecisiveness is his greatest weakness.
• Indecisive (adj): Describes a person who has difficulty making decisions.
  • She is too indecisive to be an effective leader.

Synonyms

• Hesitation: A pause or delay due to uncertainty.
• Vacillation: The act of wavering between different opinions or actions.
• Irresolution: Lack of determination; indecisiveness.

Antonyms

• Decisiveness: The ability to make decisions quickly and effectively.
• Resolution: Firm determination.
• Certainty: The state of being sure.

Idioms and Phrases

• "Paralyzed by indecision": So unable to decide that one cannot take any action.
  • Faced with so many options, he was paralyzed by indecision.

Noun

1. the trait of irresolution; a lack of firmness of character or purpose
   • the king's incurable indecisiveness caused turmoil in his court
2. doubt concerning two or more possible alternatives or courses of action
   • his indecision was only momentary but the opportunity was lost