decisiveness

American  

[dih-sahy-siv-nis] / dɪˈsaɪ sɪv nɪs /

noun

1. the quality of determining an outcome or of settling or resolving a question.

   All the facts point to the decisiveness of that battle, to it being the turning point of the war.

2. the characteristic or practice of deciding or acting without hesitation; resoluteness.

   When buying real estate, decisiveness and patience are a rare but valuable and complementary combination.

3. the quality of being unquestionable or definite.

   This was the team’s most complete effort yet, as demonstrated by the decisiveness of the win—an impressive 62–21!

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Other Word Forms

• nondecisiveness noun

Etymology

Origin of decisiveness

decisive ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

She is especially popular with younger voters who say they are drawn to her decisiveness, easygoing public persona and the fact that she is a woman at the top of the Japanese government.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

Instead, she said, McDonnell has lacked the decisiveness required to make real changes in the face of resistance from the police union and others.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2025

Combining consistent speed with the mental solidity and racing decisiveness he has always shown makes Piastri a formidable rival who, psychologically at least, will be a tough nut to crack.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2025

The evaluator's rubric has six criteria to consider when determining the scores of the interview: intimacy, social desirability, general job abilities, decisiveness, cooperativeness and overall hireability.

From Science Daily • Jun. 17, 2024

Finally Winslow exhibited the decisiveness that later led to his selection as colony governor.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

Related Words

• assertiveness
• firmness
• willpower