Definition

Adverb: 1. In a manner that lacks finality or a clear conclusion; inconclusively: Describes an action or event that ends without a definite result or winner. 2. In a manner that shows a lack of firmness, decision, or resoluteness: Describes how someone speaks, acts, or makes choices with hesitation or uncertainty.

Usage and Examples

• The meeting ended indecisively, with no agreement on the new policy.
• She answered the question indecisively, saying, "Well, maybe, but I'm not sure."
• The chess match was played indecisively for hours, with neither player gaining a clear advantage.

Advanced Usage

• To act indecisively: To behave in a hesitant or wavering manner.
  • Faced with two good options, he acted indecisively and missed both opportunities.
• To speak indecisively: To express oneself with hesitation and a lack of conviction.
  • The witness spoke indecisively, undermining the strength of her testimony.

Variants and Related Words

• Indecisive (adjective): Not able to make decisions quickly and confidently; not settling an issue.
  • He was criticized for being an indecisive leader.
• Indecision (noun): The inability to make a decision quickly.
  • Her indecision about which university to choose was causing her stress.

Synonyms

• Hesitantly: With hesitation or reluctance.
• Inconclusively: Without a final or definite result.
• Uncertainly: In a way that shows a lack of certainty.
• Tentatively: In a hesitant or uncertain manner.

Antonyms

• Decisively: In a manner that shows the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively; conclusively.
• Resolutely: In an admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering manner.
• Firmly: In a strong, steady, and unwavering way.

Adverb

1. without finality; inconclusively; neither side had clearly won but neither side admitted defeat"
   • the battle ended indecisively
2. lacking firmness or resoluteness
   • `I don't know,' he said indecisively