undecided

USAGE SUMMARY

"undecided" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you have not yet made a decision about something or when something has not yet been decided. Example: I'm still undecided about which university to attend.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With millions of voters apparently still undecided or open to changing their minds, the new Westminster balance of power remained unclear.

The Guardian

Shorten, who has long been touted as a future Labor leader, has also said he is undecided but would stand if there was no other contender.

The Guardian

Those in middle and working-class occupations were just as likely to be undecided.

The Guardian

No campaign sources said the move to set out this process just 11 days before the vote had long been planned, though it emerged the morning after a YouGov poll for the Sunday Times showed a two-point lead for yes, once undecided voters were eliminated.

The Guardian

A poll conducted in mid-September by Rice University in Houston found 45% of likely voters supported the referendum proposition, with 35% opposing it and nearly 20% still undecided.

The Guardian

TNS also found that a quarter of all voters were still undecided as to how they would vote on 7 May – including those who state they are certain to vote.

The Guardian

Kennedy had been undecided about his position on the war in the months that led up to the vote – the besetting sin of Lib Dem advisers has always been their commitment to positioning.

The Guardian - Opinion

But he is understood to be genuinely undecided about whether to stand.

The Guardian

The independence debate continues apace, with a third of Scots still undecided how they will vote in September.

The Guardian

Last night, he was at a packed yes meeting in the estate's sports centre, and was impressed; today, he talks about moving from being undecided to voting for independence, and describes a pained pulling-away from deep aspects of his own identity, both politically and nationally.

The Guardian

Although 48% of voters who do not identify with any party were undecided, as a whole this group is not dominated by the disengaged.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undecided", clearly indicate what the subject is undecided about. For example, "He is undecided about which job offer to accept" is clearer than simply saying "He is undecided".

Common error

Avoid using "undecided" without specifying the subject or context. Instead of saying "The matter is undecided", clarify what aspect remains uncertain: "The date of the meeting is still undecided".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "undecided" primarily functions to describe a state of uncertainty or lack of resolution. It can modify nouns referring to people, issues, or decisions, indicating that a final determination has not yet been reached. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable word.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undecided" is a versatile adjective used to express uncertainty or a lack of decision. As Ludwig AI indicates, its grammatical status is correct and it is a very common term, particularly in news and media contexts. When using "undecided", it's best to specify the subject of uncertainty to avoid vagueness. While generally neutral in tone, formal alternatives may be preferred in certain professional settings. Understanding these nuances can help ensure effective communication when conveying the idea of being "undecided".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the fence

Implies a temporary state of indecision, often used in situations requiring a choice between two options.

in two minds

An idiomatic expression indicating uncertainty between two options or courses of action.

undetermined

Similar to "undecided" but may refer more to situations where a decision is yet to be made by someone else.

wavering

Suggests a back-and-forth movement in thought, indicating difficulty in committing to a single option.

unsettled

Not yet resolved or decided.

unresolved

Focuses on the lack of a final decision or solution, emphasizing that the matter is still open.

indecisive

Describes a person who has difficulty making decisions.

hesitant

Highlights a pause or reluctance before making a decision, possibly due to doubt or concern.

ambivalent

Reflects mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.

equivocal

Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous.

FAQs

How can I use "undecided" in a sentence?

You can use "undecided" to describe a state of uncertainty or lack of decision. For example, "I am still "undecided" about which career path to pursue", or "The committee remains "undecided" on the final budget allocation".

What's a more formal alternative to "undecided"?

In formal contexts, consider using "unresolved", "undetermined", or "pending" instead of "undecided". These alternatives often sound more professional and precise.

Is it better to say "undecided" or "indecisive"?

"Undecided" typically refers to a specific situation or decision that hasn't been made, while "indecisive" describes a general character trait of someone who struggles to make decisions. For example, you might say, "I'm undecided about the restaurant", or "He is an indecisive person".

What are some common phrases used with "undecided"?

Common phrases include "still "undecided"", "remain "undecided"", and ""undecided" voters". These phrases help to emphasize the ongoing state of uncertainty or the group of people who have not yet made a decision.