undecisive
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not having a decisive quality: "undecisive" describes something that does not bring about a clear decision or resolution.
- Hesitant or irresolute: "undecisive" refers to a person who is unable to make decisions firmly or quickly, showing doubt or uncertainty.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The evidence presented was undecisive, leaving the jury in doubt. (The evidence did not lead to a clear conclusion.)
- She is often undecisive when choosing what to eat for dinner. (She hesitates and finds it hard to decide.)
Advanced Usage
"to be undecisive in one's actions": to act without clear direction or resolve.
- His undecisive leadership caused confusion among the team. (His inability to make firm decisions created disorder.)
"an undecisive moment": a point in time when no definite outcome is reached.
- The meeting ended at an undecisive moment, with no agreement on the budget. (The discussion concluded without a resolution.)
Variants and Related Words
Undecisively (adv): in a manner that shows lack of decisiveness.
- She spoke undecisively, pausing frequently. (She spoke with hesitation.)
Undecisiveness (n): the quality of being unable to make decisions firmly.
- His undecisiveness frustrated his colleagues. (His habit of hesitating annoyed others.)
Synonyms
- Indecisive: unable to make decisions quickly; hesitant.
- Irresolute: showing doubt or lack of firmness in purpose.
- Hesitant: tentative, unsure, or slow in acting or speaking.
Related Idioms
Sitting on the fence: to avoid making a clear choice or decision.
- He is sitting on the fence about which job to take. (He is undecisive and not committing.)
Blowing hot and cold: to frequently change one's opinion or attitude.
- She is blowing hot and cold about the vacation plans. (She is undecisive and inconsistent.)