indecisive

[in-di-sahy-siv]

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

/ ˌɪndɪˈsaɪsɪv /

adjective

1. (of a person) vacillating; irresolute

2. not decisive or conclusive

Other Word Forms

• indecisively adverb
• indecisiveness noun
• indecision noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of indecisive¹

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

Example Sentences

India only managed 12 fours throughout their innings, five of them from the bat of Mandhana, who looked constantly indecisive about whether to attack or focus on batting through the innings.

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But in reality, he is weak and indecisive.

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At one point, Hegseth worries that waiting too long would give Israel a window to take action first and increase the risk of a leak, which would make the U.S. look "indecisive."

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Although he earned respect for his integrity and intelligence, he also had a reputation for being soft and indecisive.

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But after two indecisive general elections in 1910, Asquith and the Liberals needed the votes of moderate Irish nationalists in Parliament to remain in power.

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Related Words

• doubtful 
• hesitant 
• tentative 
• wishy-washy