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irresolution

[ ih-rez-uh-loo-shuhn ]

/ ɪˌrɛz əˈlu ʃən /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR irresolution

noun

lack of resolution; lack of decision or purpose; vacillation.

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Question 1 of 9

You may have read the word "simmer" in a recipe or two, but what does it really mean?

To cook in water that begins cold and then reaches a boil.

To stew in a sauce for a long time.

To cook in water, just below boiling temperature.

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Origin of irresolution

First recorded in 1585–95; irresolute + -ion

Words nearby irresolution

irreproachable, irreproducible, irresistible, irresoluble, irresolute, irresolution, irresolvable, irrespective, irrespirable, irresponsible, irresponsive

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for irresolution

But softness and irresolution were the characteristics of Austria's generals no less than of her rulers.
The Life of Napoleon I (Volumes, 1 and 2)|John Holland Rose
It unnerved his resolution, and uncertainty and irresolution were terrific strains on a man of action and precision.
What Will People Say?|Rupert Hughes
Outside old Mrs. Picture's door comes a moment of irresolution, but she quashes it and goes on.
When Ghost Meets Ghost|William Frend De Morgan
On calling, and asking for Mrs. Dewey, I noticed an air of irresolution about the servant.
The Allen House|T. S. Arthur

Shifting from one tense to the other gives the appearance of uncertainty and irresolution (compare Rule 15).
The Elements of Style|William Strunk

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