indecisive

[ in-di-sahy-siv ]

/ ˌɪn dɪˈsaɪ sɪv /

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See synonyms for: indecisive / indecisively / indecisiveness on Thesaurus.com

adjective

characterized by indecision, as persons; irresolute; undecided.

not decisive or conclusive: a severe but indecisive battle.

lacking definition; vague or indistinct: the indecisive outline of the distant hills.

OTHER WORDS FOR indecisive

1 vacillating, hesitant, wavering.

See synonyms for indecisive on Thesaurus.com

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Origin of indecisive

First recorded in 1720–30; in-³ + decisive

OTHER WORDS FROM indecisive

in·de·ci·sive·ly, adverbin·de·ci·sive·ness, noun

Words nearby indecisive

indecent exposure, indeciduate, indeciduous, indecipherable, indecision, indecisive, indecisiveness, indecl., indeclinable, indecomposable, indecorous

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

How to use indecisive in a sentence

It’s cut down on my shopping for sure, and made it possible for me to be indecisive about what I wear without buying fast fashion—which, let’s be clear, is super fun but super terrible for the planet.
Passive-aggressive gifts that are also good for the planet|Rachel Feltman|November 17, 2021|Popular-Science
“Polls show close race for Virginia governor, with lots of voters up for grabs,” by Laura VozzellaAn indecisive summer in the year's most competitive race.
The Trailer: Bring the troops home? Why the Afghanistan crisis isn’t reviving the GOP’s hawks.|David Weigel|August 24, 2021|Washington Post
This can be particularly helpful to indecisive procrastinators, or “procs,” as Ferrari calls them.
Why do we procrastinate, and how can we stop? Experts have answers.|Angela Haupt|July 9, 2021|Washington Post
After years of criticism for being slow-footed and indecisive, Twitter has finally started to spread its wings, shipping a torrent of product changes this year.
‘Playing to their strengths’: Twitter’s revved-up product focus piques publisher, advertiser interest|Max Willens|May 24, 2021|Digiday

So, if you’re feeling indecisive about this all-important gear decision, just know that you’re not alone.
Best snow pants to keep you cozy (and active) all winter long|PopSci Commerce Team|February 25, 2021|Popular-Science
“We have a weak and indecisive president,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC).
The GOP’s Limp ‘Emasculate Obama’ Ploy|Sally Kohn|April 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A speedster on the ski slopes, the racetrack and the highway, he could be slow and indecisive as a translator and elsewhere.
Remembering Dmitri Nabokov, the Novelist’s Son and Literary Executor|Brian Boyd|May 10, 2012|DAILY BEAST
“I used to always find myself on movies with these indecisive directors,” she says.
'Prometheus' Interview: Charlize Theron’s Alien Fantasy|Ramin Setoodeh|April 20, 2012|DAILY BEAST
He tells Lloyd Grove why he's thinking about taking on Obama and his indecisive foreign policy.
John Bolton for President in 2012?|Lloyd Grove|January 4, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Sounding indecisive, Whitman hemmed and hawed about the different kinds of negative ads.
Arnold Swats Whitman|Joe Mathews|October 27, 2010|DAILY BEAST
Kent could have sworn that there was an appeal in her eyes, and he stood for a moment, indecisive, Jandron's stare upon him.
The Sargasso of Space|Edmond Hamilton
The morning after this indecisive battle the entire Russian army was far away.
The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte|William Milligan Sloane
An indecisive action took place, the two fleets passing each other on opposite tacks and exchanging broadsides.
The Political History of England - Vol. X.|William Hunt
The fight was indecisive, but he arrived first at the Cape and prevented the projected attack.
The Political History of England - Vol. X.|William Hunt
An indecisive action took place in which, owing to baffling calms, only the British van was engaged.
The Political History of England - Vol. X.|William Hunt

British Dictionary definitions for indecisive

indecisive

/ (ˌɪndɪˈsaɪsɪv) /

adjective

(of a person) vacillating; irresolute

not decisive or conclusive

Derived forms of indecisive

indecision or indecisiveness, nounindecisively, adverb

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

indecisive

OTHER WORDS FOR indecisive

Origin of indecisive

OTHER WORDS FROM indecisive

Words nearby indecisive

Words related to indecisive

How to use indecisive in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for indecisive

Derived forms of indecisive