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.

---

Etymology

Origin of decision fatigue

First recorded in 2000–05

Example Sentences

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

This British anthology series is a magical grab bag, perfect for anyone with decision fatigue who still wants a parade of delights.

From New York Times

“I try not to get caught up in that decision fatigue. In my mind, I’m not using a dollar, so any kind of redemption is great, and I just go for it.”

From Seattle Times