indecisive

[in-di-sahy-siv]

adjective

1. characterized by indecision, as persons; irresolute; undecided.

   Synonyms: hesitant, vacillating

2. not decisive or conclusive.

   a severe but indecisive battle.

3. lacking definition; vague or indistinct.

   the indecisive outline of the distant hills.

indecisive

/ ˌɪndɪˈsaɪsɪv /

adjective

1. (of a person) vacillating; irresolute

2. not decisive or conclusive

Other Word Forms

• indecisively adverb
• indecisiveness noun
• indecision noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of indecisive¹

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

Example Sentences

India only managed 12 fours throughout their innings, five of them from the bat of Mandhana, who looked constantly indecisive about whether to attack or focus on batting through the innings.

From BBC

But in reality, he is weak and indecisive.

From Salon

At one point, Hegseth worries that waiting too long would give Israel a window to take action first and increase the risk of a leak, which would make the U.S. look "indecisive."

From Salon

Although he earned respect for his integrity and intelligence, he also had a reputation for being soft and indecisive.

From BBC

But after two indecisive general elections in 1910, Asquith and the Liberals needed the votes of moderate Irish nationalists in Parliament to remain in power.

From Salon

Related Words

• doubtful 
• hesitant 
• tentative 
• wishy-washy