vacillation
Americannoun
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an act or instance of vacillating. vacillating.
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a state of indecision or irresolution.
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unsteady movement; fluctuation.
Other Word Forms
- nonvacillation noun
Etymology
Origin of vacillation
1350–1400; Middle English vacillacion < Latin vacillātiōn- (stem of vacillātiō ) a swaying. See vacillate, -ion
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Lois’ reticence about him mirrors our own vacillation with the DC Universe’s new direction: We need to see something more from this guy before we commit.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 8, 2025
As Dr. Villatte noted, it’s the vacillation without a decision that’s the real anxiety maker.
From New York Times • Feb. 27, 2023
But Kim said his self-defence force "can not be bartered nor be bought with anything" and will be held firm without the slightest vacillation despite harsh trials and difficulties.
From Reuters • Mar. 27, 2022
Oh's controlled vacillation between effervescent wit and warmth and frantic frustration in each episode make Ji-Yoon a solid navigator through this morass.
From Salon • Aug. 20, 2021
Everything seems in a state of vacillation and fermentation during the thirteenth century.
From Villainage in England Essays in English Mediaeval History by Vinogradoff, Paul
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
