indecisive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "indecisive" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a word used to describe someone who is unable to make a decision or who often changes their minds. For example, "John is so indecisive - he never knows what he wants to do and keeps changing his mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

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

Former UN ambassador John Bolton, a hawk's hawk, played to type, declaring, "we do not accept an America that is weak and declining, we do not accept an American military that is weak and poorly equipped, and in particular, we do not accept an American president who is weak and indecisive and apologetic about our country".

The Guardian

That was then, this is now, and an indecisive result and the messy novelty of coalition brokering have since intervened.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ed Miliband was either too indecisive in his rejection of Blairism, or simply an inadequate exponent of that view.

The Guardian

His indecisive leadership style and lack of vision underscore the country's lack of direction, as it is losing competitiveness and foreign investment.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Gadarene rush of the Watergate-era students into media and the law was prefigured in Doonesbury and it can claim to have predicted Jimmy Carter's sad descent from piety to sanctimony, the hollowness of Reagan's feel-good nostrums, the short electoral life of George Bush's desert victories, and the indecisive disappointments of Bill Clinton.

The Guardian

He had been strangely indecisive all afternoon, discomforted by the pressure England exerted at the breakdown.

The Guardian - Sport

Keith was a brilliant but indecisive character; he went through agonies, and then made a somewhat ill-judged speech [on sexual promiscuity and social deprivation] which, in the stupid daily atmosphere of politics, was instantly assumed to have cost him his chance.

The Guardian

The whole argument about health, then, is a flimsy pretext for signalling the SNP's willingness – eagerness even – to get stuck in to the parliamentary powerplay that will follow the indecisive election that's now widely predicted for May.

The Guardian - Opinion

After a couple of indecisive circuits, the smell of grilling meats is making me swoon (why does nobody make a ladies' perfume that smells like barbecue?).

The Economist

And given his strong support from social and religious conservatives, he may be tempted to consolidate that support by proposing, say, like-minded judges for the Supreme Court.Mr Bush's victory has spared America the pain of another indecisive vote.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional contexts, avoid labeling someone as "indecisive" directly; instead, phrase it as needing more information or exploring options.

Common error

Don't mistake a thorough, deliberate decision-making process for being "indecisive". Thoughtfulness involves careful consideration, while indecisiveness often stems from fear of commitment or lack of clear criteria.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "indecisive" primarily functions to describe a person, action, or situation characterized by an inability to make clear or firm decisions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in expressing a lack of resolution or certainty.

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, "indecisive" functions as an adjective used to describe a lack of ability to make decisions promptly and effectively. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically sound and frequently encountered, especially in news and media contexts. While being "indecisive" isn't inherently negative, it often carries a connotation of weakness or uncertainty, particularly when contrasted with decisiveness and resolve. Alternatives such as "hesitant" or "irresolute" can add nuanced layers of meaning depending on the specific context. Understanding the subtle differences between "indecisive" and related terms such as "cautious" is essential for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irresolute

Suggests a lack of firm decision-making ability, emphasizing a wavering mind.

hesitant

Implies a pause or reluctance before acting, often due to uncertainty.

vacillating

Indicates a back-and-forth movement between different options, highlighting instability.

wavering

Implies a shaking or unsteady quality in one's resolve, suggesting doubt.

equivocating

Suggests avoiding a clear or direct answer, often to conceal one's true feelings or intentions.

ambivalent

Expresses mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.

undetermined

Emphasizes that something has not yet been decided or established.

unsettled

Implies a lack of stability or resolution, suggesting a state of flux.

tentative

Suggests a provisional or experimental approach, lacking confidence or certainty.

mutable

Highlights the capacity to change or be changed, lacking fixedness.

FAQs

How can I use the word "indecisive" in a sentence?

You can use "indecisive" to describe someone who struggles to make decisions, like "He's often "hesitant" and seems "unable to decide", making him appear "indecisive"".

What are some alternative words for "indecisive"?

Alternatives include "irresolute", "hesitant", "vacillating", or "wavering", each carrying slightly different nuances of uncertainty.

Is it always negative to be described as "indecisive"?

While often viewed negatively, being "indecisive" isn't always bad. Sometimes it indicates careful consideration, though excessive indecision can lead to missed opportunities. Balancing thoughtfulness with timely decision-making is key.

What's the difference between "indecisive" and "cautious"?

"Indecisive" implies a difficulty in making decisions, while "cautious" suggests a careful approach to avoid risks. Someone "indecisive" might not make a choice, whereas a "cautious" person will eventually act after due diligence.