decision

[ dih-sizh-uhn ]

See synonyms for: decision decisions on Thesaurus.com

noun

the act or process of deciding; determination, as of a question or doubt, by making a judgment: They must make a decision between these two contestants.
the act of or need for making up one's mind: This is a difficult decision.

something that is decided; resolution: She made a poor decision when she dropped out of school.
a judgment, as one formally pronounced by a court: It is the decision of this court that the appeal is granted.
the quality of being decided; firmness: He spoke with decision and calm authority.
the final score in any sport or contest: The decision was 5 to 4 in favor of the home team.
Boxing. the awarding of a victory in a match not decided by a knockout or technical knockout, usually through a vote of the referee and judges.

verb (used with object)

Boxing. to win a victory over (one's opponent) by a point score rather than a knockout.

Origin of decision

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English decisioun, from Middle French, from Latin dēcīsiōn-, stem of dēcīsiō “a cutting off,” equivalent to dēcīs(us) (past participle of dēcīdere “to cut off”; see decide) + -iō -ion

Other words for decision

4	ruling, verdict, finding, decree

See synonyms for decision on Thesaurus.com

Other words from decision

de·ci·sion·al, adjective
non·de·ci·sion, noun
pre·de·ci·sion, noun
re·de·ci·sion, noun
sub·de·ci·sion, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use decision in a sentence

Many emissions reductions will need to come from larger scale policy decisions, like decarbonizing the electric grid.
Trying to shop sustainably? Here’s what you need to consider. | Sarah Kaplan | November 20, 2020 | Washington Post
Hogan also bashed Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin’s decision to cut several Federal Reserve emergency funds, calling it “a terrible mistake” given the country’s fragile economy.
Live updates: Georgia secretary of state issues correction, saying certification of its general election results is still under way | John Wagner, Colby Itkowitz, Michelle Lee | November 20, 2020 | Washington Post
We’ll just take it day-by-day, and we’ll make the best decision for our student-athletes in our program as we continue to deal with this virus.
Maryland, with 15 more players and its coach positive for coronavirus, cancels Michigan State game | Emily Giambalvo | November 19, 2020 | Washington Post
Health and safety restrictions will play a key factor in that decision.
The NHL, facing more questions than answers, is still targeting a January start | Samantha Pell | November 19, 2020 | Washington Post
If your company fills its open positions, you might ask your boss if it’s all right to informally let your acquaintance know a decision has been made.
It’s hard to get rid of a bad boss. Instead, try a ‘soft coup.’ | Karla Miller | November 19, 2020 | Washington Post

British Dictionary definitions for decision

decision

/ (dɪˈsɪʒən) /

noun

a judgment, conclusion, or resolution reached or given; verdict
the act of making up one's mind

firmness of purpose or character; determination

Origin of decision

C15: from Old French, from Latin dēcīsiō, literally: a cutting off; see decide

Derived forms of decision

decisional, adjective

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

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