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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.

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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.

Overspending, indecision, poor judgment and general pigheadedness were characteristic at NeXT from the start.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 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

“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

But it doesn’t and the real victim of the indecision is Powell, who is rarely given a reaction to play.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

I looked from face to face, overcome with indecision.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

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