indecision

USAGE SUMMARY

"indecision" is a perfectly valid word in written English.
You can use it when referring to a lack of resolve or uncertainty in making a decision. Example Sentence: "John's indecision over which job offer to accept caused months of distress and stress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In one of the gravest crises of its peacetime history, Britain appeared to have cast an indecisive vote for indecision.

The Economist

A) "What do you know of the deal of indecision?" B) "Hotty potty dizzy piscine!" C) "What do you know of the dealings at this inn?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"That is not like a general election where you almost abdicate responsibility to the party that you vote for [to make decisions on your behalf], they understand that they've got to get it right [in the referendum]." It's precisely this anxiety that Agnes Wilson, a volunteer at the RNLI charity shop in Dunbar, reflects when she explains her own indecision.

The Guardian

Like Anderson, Pietersen ducked and writhed like a man being jiggled all over with a high precision cattle prod, a state of indecision that is a response to many things, above all the basic trauma of Australia's relentless competitive intensity in this series.

The Guardian - Sport

Our paperwork completed, we approached the remainder of the honeymoon with an odd combination of indecision and abandon.

The Guardian - Travel

Marry Me a Little from Company: indecision, fear and loneliness set to a difficult tempo.

The Guardian

The Labour leader, Ed Miliband, said: "There's an issue now about delay and indecision at the heart of government".

The Guardian

Personally, I am still undecided as to which to favour and ashamed of my indecision.

The Guardian

And at times when all the alternatives seem worse, people outside Russia have often concluded that indecision and drift in the Kremlin, under a moribund monarch, is a state of affairs they can live with.In the case of Mr Yeltsin this calculation no longer holds.

The Economist

Indecision time Between Brussels and Russia A new man for the job Hail Helvetia ReprintsMr Cerar will spend the next few weeks talking to most other parties about a coalition.

The Economist

Each plan has its merits, enormous potential downsides (can the government honestly even manage a behemoth of a bank like Citi with everything else on its plate?), and the ultimate decision should not be hastily implemented.But all the indecision and uncertainty just wreaks havoc on the markets.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing governmental or organizational policy, use "indecision" to highlight stagnation or lack of progress. For instance: "The government's indecision on climate change has led to criticism from environmental groups."

Common error

Avoid using "indecision" when "apathy" is more appropriate. "Indecision" implies an inability to choose between options, while "apathy" suggests a lack of interest or concern, leading to inaction. If there is no desire to make a choice, apathy is likely the better term.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "indecision" is as a noun. It represents a state or condition, specifically the inability to decide. Ludwig shows this word used in various contexts, reflecting its role in describing a lack of resolution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indecision" is a noun referring to the inability to make a decision, as validated by Ludwig. It is frequently used in news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific discourse. Ludwig's examples highlight that it often carries a negative connotation, especially when decisive action is needed. While grammatically straightforward, it's crucial to distinguish "indecision" from related terms like "apathy" and to understand its implications in various situations. Employ "indecision" accurately to convey a lack of resolution or a state of uncertainty. Remember to avoid confusing it with other related terms such as "hesitation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hesitancy

Replaces the noun "indecision" with another noun denoting a similar state of pausing or delaying before acting.

lack of resolution

Substitutes "indecision" with a phrase that explicitly describes the absence of a firm decision.

uncertainty

Replaces "indecision" with a term highlighting the state of being unsure or doubtful.

wavering

Uses a verb form to convey the act of fluctuating between different options or choices.

irresolution

Replaces "indecision" with a synonym emphasizing the lack of decisiveness.

procrastination

Focuses on delaying or postponing decisions, a common consequence of indecision.

ambivalence

Emphasizes the presence of conflicting feelings or ideas that contribute to the indecision.

state of doubt

Replaces "indecision" with a descriptive phrase, pointing to the internal experience of uncertainty.

failure to commit

Highlights the inability to fully dedicate oneself to a specific course of action.

unsettledness

Replaces "indecision" with a term that suggests a lack of stability or resolution in thought or action.

FAQs

How can I use "indecision" in a sentence?

You can use "indecision" to describe a state of being unable to decide. For example: "His "indecision" cost him the opportunity."

What's the difference between "indecision" and "hesitation"?

"Indecision" refers to the inability to make a decision, while "hesitation" is a pause before acting or speaking, often due to uncertainty or reluctance. "Hesitation" can be a manifestation of "indecision", but not always.

What can I say instead of "indecision"?

You can use alternatives like "uncertainty", "hesitancy", or "lack of resolution" depending on the context.

Is "indecision" a negative quality?

Whether "indecision" is viewed negatively depends on the situation. In situations requiring quick action, it can be detrimental. However, careful deliberation and avoiding hasty decisions can be valuable, though prolonged "indecision" may be seen as a flaw.