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irresolution

[ih-rez-uh-loo-shuh n]
See more synonyms for irresolution on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. lack of resolution; lack of decision or purpose; vacillation.
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Origin of irresolution

First recorded in 1585–95; irresolute + -ion
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

oscillationfluctuationdubietypausereluctancedelaydoubtwaveringindecisivenesstimidnessvacillationtimidityindecisionmisgivingequivocationqualmhesitancyscrupleunwillingnessmistrust

Examples from the Web for irresolution

Historical Examples

  • This event completed the conquest of Boabdil over his own irresolution.

    Leila, Complete

    Edward Bulwer-Lytton

  • We see the effects of this irresolution, although we cannot assign a cause for it.

    Reflections

    Francois Duc De La Rochefoucauld

  • I cannot profess sorrow for that, nor irresolution in that, nor shame in that.

  • In this state of irresolution Gomez Arias remained for some time.

    Gomez Arias

    Joaqun Telesforo de Trueba y Coso

  • Jean gave vent to a muttered oath in his irresolution and despair.

    The Downfall

    Emile Zola

Word Origin and History for irresolution

n.

1590s, from French irrésolution (16c.), from ir-, assimilated form of in- "not, opposite of" (see in- (1)) + résolution (see resolution).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper