Definition

1. Noun:
   • The trait of being irresolute; lacking firmness of purpose: The quality or state of being unable to make a firm decision or stick to a chosen course of action.
   • Doubt concerning two or more possible alternatives or courses of action: A state of uncertainty or hesitation between different options.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • His irresolution cost him the promotion; he couldn't decide whether to accept the challenging project.
  • A moment of irresolution at the crossroads led her to take the longer, more scenic route.
  • The committee's irresolution on the policy issue resulted in a lengthy delay.

Advanced Usage

• "to be gripped by irresolution": to be strongly affected by an inability to decide.

  • She was gripped by irresolution, staring at the two job offers on her desk.

• "a state of irresolution": a condition of being undecided.

  • The team remained in a state of irresolution until the manager provided clearer guidelines.

Variants and Related Words

• Irresolute (adj): Hesitant; not firm in decision or purpose.

  • He was too irresolute to be an effective leader.

• Irresoluteness (n): A synonym for irresolution, meaning the quality of being irresolute.

Synonyms

• Indecision: The inability to make a decision quickly.
• Hesitation: The action of pausing or delaying before acting or deciding.
• Vacillation: The inability to decide between different opinions or actions; wavering.

Antonyms

• Resolution: Firm determination to do something.
• Decisiveness: The ability to make decisions quickly and effectively.
• Determination: The quality of being firm in purpose.

Related Phrases

• To be plagued by irresolution: To be constantly troubled by indecision.

  • The artist was plagued by irresolution, unable to choose a final color for the masterpiece.

• To overcome irresolution: To successfully move past a state of indecision.

  • After much thought, she finally overcame her irresolution and submitted her application.

Noun

1. the trait of being irresolute; lacking firmness of purpose
2. doubt concerning two or more possible alternatives or courses of action
   • his indecision was only momentary but the opportunity was lost