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Synonyms

indecision

American  
[in-di-sizh-uhn] / ˌɪn dɪˈsɪʒ ən /

noun

  1. inability to decide.


Etymology

Origin of indecision

First recorded in 1755–65; in- 3 + decision

Explanation

If you're torn between going to your best friend's birthday party and racing go-carts with your sister, you're experiencing indecision, or difficulty making up your mind. Whenever there are at least two great choices, you're sure to feel at least a little indecision. Too many options at the grocery story can cause indecision, as can choosing a college major or picking just one friend to take with you to Disney World. Any time you waver or hesitate between possibilities, it's evidence of your indecision.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing indecision

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

It hasn't always been like this: Burnham's critics a decade ago, after he had fought and lost his second Labour leadership race, would joke about his indecision and capacity to change his mind.

From BBC Jun. 29, 2026

A bearish engulfing candle on April 21, a bearish dark cloud cover on May 7, and three doji candles in the last five sessions point to a rising sense of indecision near resistance.

From Barron's May 15, 2026

The song itself is a brooding ballad with an astonishing vocal climax, but will it leave voters trapped in a spider web of indecision?

From BBC May 8, 2026

“Many of these individuals are effectively prisoners of bureaucratic incompetence, inaction, and indecision, held in place not by law, but by a system that has failed to move.”

From The Wall Street Journal Apr. 7, 2026

“Oh, no,” she answered, with a tone of indecision.

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin

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