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indecisive

American  
[in-di-sahy-siv] / ˌɪn dɪˈsaɪ sɪv /

adjective

  1. characterized by indecision, as persons; irresolute; undecided.

    Synonyms:
    hesitant, vacillating
  2. not decisive or conclusive.

    a severe but indecisive battle.

  3. lacking definition; vague or indistinct.

    the indecisive outline of the distant hills.


indecisive British  
/ ˌɪndɪˈsaɪsɪv /

adjective

  1. (of a person) vacillating; irresolute

  2. not decisive or conclusive

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of indecisive

First recorded in 1720–30; in- 3 + decisive

Explanation

If you’re indecisive, you have a hard time making decisions. When you finally do make a decision, you may not be confident about it, or you might change your mind. Another definition for indecisive is not definitely settling something, like when election results are too close to call or some result has been called into question. Several historic American elections have had this happen in the recent past, and in that case, the election result remains indecisive until a recount has been finished or until one party gives a concession speech.

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Vocabulary lists containing indecisive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Indecisive and amenable to the whims of his buddies, he is approached to be an arbiter in the fiery dispute between two dukes, one of whom is his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke.

From New York Times • Jul. 17, 2020

Indecisive in picking out receivers, Lynch held the ball too long and took six sacks, along with eight more hits.

From Washington Times • Oct. 9, 2016

Indecisive manager looks into the starter's eyes and despite the starter being gassed, manager leaves him in.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 2014

Indecisive manoeuvres on both sides continued over four months.

From Abraham Lincoln by Charnwood, Godfrey Rathbone Benson, Baron

Indecisive in itself, this brief combat was of great importance in one point of view.

From The Life of Francis Marion by Simms, William Gilmore

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