decisiveness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decisiveness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the quality of being able to make decisions quickly and effectively. Example: "Her decisiveness in the meeting helped the team reach a consensus on the project direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And although economists may argue forever about the relative merits of carbon trading versus a carbon tax, Europe's decision to go for the former at least has the merit of decisiveness.

The Economist

Gillard's magnanimity in the end has made the transition easier; her decisiveness ensured that this was the last stand.

The Guardian

Even Jack Straw's extraordinary bluster against Barack Obama's "indecisiveness" (thank God for his "decisiveness" back in 2003) hardly raises more than an eyebrow.

The Guardian - Opinion

The 1981 budget contained more spending cuts, further depressing demand, in the teeth of the recession; 364 economists condemned her policies in a letter to the Times.This, more than anything, saw the birth of her reputation for ruthless decisiveness.

The Economist

He was quick to condemn his party's breach of the law, but he diluted that decisiveness by reaching for a familiar tool, a committee of inquiry into the matter led, for good measure, by a retired bishop and a judge.

The Economist

But Joyce Banda, Malawi's first female president and only the second in Africa after Liberia's Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, has hit the ground running, combining a tough decisiveness with gentle charm and a promise of reform that has delighted almost everyone.

The Economist

The self-styled decider was also singularly lacking in decisiveness.

The Economist

The EU could do with a show of decisiveness for once.

The Economist

Rather than conveying decisiveness, this can make voters suspicious.But the protesters are quite different these days.

The Economist

He aimed to bring Westminster-style politics to Japan, with opposing parties competing for power rather than factions slugging it out within the eternal LDP.Though decisiveness still eludes Japanese politics, without that reform the DPJ might never have succeeded in driving the LDP so firmly from power in 2009.

The Economist

The rescue plan may have been imperfect (the banks requiring further injections of capital); the credit for it might properly belong to others too; it was uncharacteristic in its decisiveness and sweep; Mr Brown may bear some responsibility for the regulatory regime that failed in the first place.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing a leader's strength, pair "decisiveness" with adjectives like "bold", "swift", or "resolute" to amplify the positive impact.

Common error

Avoid presenting "decisiveness" as impulsive or lacking consideration. Highlight the informed nature of the decision-making process to avoid negative connotations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "decisiveness" is that of a noun, referring to the quality or state of being decisive. It is often used as the subject or object of a sentence, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples, describing a characteristic or attribute.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decisiveness" is a noun that describes the quality of making decisions quickly and effectively. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, highlighting its relevance in discussions of leadership and action. While generally positive, it's important to distinguish "decisiveness" from recklessness by emphasizing informed decision-making. Use related terms like "resolve" and "determination" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decidedness

Highlights the quality of being clear and definite, directly relating to a state of having made a decision.

resoluteness

Emphasizes a firm determination and unwavering commitment to a course of action, highlighting strength of will.

determination

Focuses on having a firm intention or purpose, stressing the mental strength to achieve a goal.

resolve

Highlights a firm decision to do something, often after some hesitation or doubt.

assertiveness

Stresses confidence and forcefulness in expressing opinions or making demands, highlighting a proactive approach.

firmness

Emphasizes a steadfast and unwavering quality, particularly in enforcing rules or making decisions.

strong-mindedness

Indicates an independent and resolute character, emphasizing resistance to outside influence.

conclusiveness

Focuses on bringing matters to a definitive end, emphasizing the ability to reach a final resolution.

expeditiousness

Stresses the speed and efficiency in making decisions and taking action, focusing on promptness.

promptness

Highlights the quality of acting without delay, emphasizing quickness in decision-making.

FAQs

How can I effectively demonstrate "decisiveness" in a professional setting?

Show "decisiveness" by making well-informed decisions promptly, clearly communicating your reasoning, and taking ownership of the outcomes. This builds trust and demonstrates leadership.

What are some synonyms for "decisiveness" that I can use in my writing?

You can use synonyms like "resolve", "determination", or "resoluteness" to add variety to your writing while maintaining a similar meaning.

Is it possible to be too decisive?

Yes, excessive "decisiveness" without proper consideration can lead to rash decisions. Balance "decisiveness" with careful evaluation and input from others to ensure sound judgment.

What is the difference between "decisiveness" and stubbornness?

"Decisiveness" involves making informed decisions confidently, while stubbornness is an unwillingness to change one's mind despite evidence or reason. The key difference lies in the rationale and openness to new information.