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

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

From BBC

Reduce decision fatigue by having a set rhythm to your days - a predictable structure can take pressure off your working memory.

From BBC

Having a list like this on hand can help alleviate decision fatigue in the aftermath of a disaster.

From Salon

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

From Seattle Times