split decision

noun

, Boxing.

1. a decision of a bout on whose outcome the referee and judges did not unanimously agree.

split decision

noun

1. boxing the award of a fight on a majority verdict of the judges as opposed to a unanimous decision

Word History and Origins

Origin of split decision¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

However, the most likely outcome in both may be a split decision.

From FiveThirtyEight

“After an Emotional Finale, Team Obama Fears a Split Decision,” at New York Magazine.

From The Daily Beast

Brad Blakeman, a former aide to George W. Bush, expects a split decision from the court.

From The Daily Beast

But as to whether Ravi did what he did intentionally to harass Clementi for being gay, the jury rendered a split decision.

From The Daily Beast

Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum are headed for a split decision on what used to be a decisive day.

From The Daily Beast

But the rejection of the individual mandate makes the vote a split decision in the Buckeye State.

From The Daily Beast