irresolute

/i'rezəlu:t/

Thân thiện

The committee remained irresolute as the deadline approached.

Definition

Adjective: 1. Unable to make decisions or act decisively; hesitant or uncertain. - Describes a person, group, or their behavior that shows a lack of firmness or determination, often wavering between choices. 2. Characterized by indecision or vacillation. - Indicates a state of doubt or fluctuation in purpose or action.

Usage

The adjective "irresolute" is used to describe someone's character, mood, or a specific instance of behavior. It is a formal term often applied in analytical or critical contexts. - It typically precedes a noun (e.g., an irresolute leader) or follows a linking verb like be, seem, or become (e.g., She seemed irresolute). - It can describe collective entities like governments or committees.

Examples

• Describing a person:
  • Faced with the crisis, the manager was irresolute and failed to give clear orders.
  • His irresolute nature made him a poor candidate for a leadership role.
• Describing a group or its actions:
  • The government's irresolute response to the economic threat worsened the situation.
  • After hours of irresolute debate, the council adjourned without a vote.

Advanced Usage

• "to be irresolute in (something)": To show hesitation or lack of determination regarding a specific matter.
  • The CEO was irresolute in her approach to the merger negotiations.
• "to remain irresolute": To continue in a state of indecision.
  • Despite the urgency, the board remained irresolute.

Variants and Related Words

• Irresolutely (adverb): In a hesitant or uncertain manner.
  • He nodded irresolutely, unsure of his agreement.
• Irresolution (noun): The state or quality of being irresolute; indecision.
  • A moment of irresolution cost him the opportunity.

Synonyms

• Hesitant: Tentative or slow in acting or speaking due to uncertainty.
• Indecisive: Not settling an issue; prone to or characterized by indecision.
• Vacillating: Wavering between different opinions or actions; indecisive.
• Wavering: Becoming unsteady or unsure; fluctuating.

Antonyms

• Resolute: Admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering.
• Decisive: Settling an issue; producing a definite result; characterized by decision and firmness.
• Determined: Having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "To be of two minds": To be undecided or irresolute about something. (This is a common idiom expressing a similar idea with less formality.)
  • I'm of two minds about accepting the job offer.
• "To blow hot and cold": To alternate inconsistently between two moods or attitudes, showing irresolution.
  • He's been blowing hot and cold on the project for weeks.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. uncertain how to act or proceed
   • the committee was timid and mediocre and irresolute