decision fatigue

American  

[dih-sizh-uhn fuh-teeg] / dɪˈsɪʒ ən fəˌtig /

noun

Psychology, Psychiatry.

1. mental and emotional exhaustion resulting from excessive or relentless decision-making, especially the cumulative effect of small decisions that one makes throughout each day.

   Which socks to wear or what size coffee to order may seem trivial, but add them to the other 30,000 choices you’ll make today, and you’ve got the recipe for decision fatigue.

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Etymology

Origin of decision fatigue

First recorded in 2000–05

Example Sentences

Not because couples disagree about politics, but because higher costs increase decision fatigue and reduce margin for error.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 20, 2026

Time-blocking your calendar, batching similar tasks and prioritising certain bits of work can reduce mental overload and decision fatigue.

From BBC • Jan. 3, 2026

Older people tend to suffer less from decision fatigue, Schwartz adds, having learned over time to settle for good enough.

From Slate • Nov. 2, 2024

My girlfriends and I were all experiencing this decision fatigue around food.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 5, 2024

Do you think that decision fatigue is exacerbating mental health issues?

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2022