fence-sitter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2 VocabularyInformal, slightly idiomatic. Common in journalism, political commentary, and everyday figurative speech.
Quick answer
What does “fence-sitter” mean?
A person who remains neutral or refuses to choose between two opposing sides or opinions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who remains neutral or refuses to choose between two opposing sides or opinions.
Someone who delays making a decision, often to avoid commitment or to see which side becomes more advantageous. In political contexts, an undecided voter. Can imply indecisiveness, caution, or strategic waiting.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Identical in meaning and usage. The compound form with hyphen is standard in both. The verbal form 'to sit on the fence' is equally common.
Connotations
Slightly stronger association with political indecision in UK media, but the difference is negligible.
Frequency
Comparatively common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “fence-sitter” in a Sentence
[be/act like] a fence-sitter[appeal to/alienate] the fence-sitters[criticise someone for being] a fence-sitterVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fence-sitter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's still fence-sitting over the Brexit deal, refusing to back either plan.
- Stop fence-sitting and pick a side for the office football sweepstake!
American English
- The senator is fence-sitting on the healthcare bill to avoid angering her base.
- Quit fence-sitting and tell us which restaurant you prefer.
adverb
British English
- He answered fence-sittingly, 'Well, both proposals have merits.'
- She navigated the debate fence-sittingly, agreeing with no one fully.
American English
- The mayor responded fence-sittingly, avoiding a direct endorsement.
- He managed the conflict fence-sittingly, which only prolonged it.
adjective
British English
- His fence-sitting attitude was frustrating for everyone who wanted a clear decision.
- The MP's fence-sitting comments were criticised in the press.
American English
- We need a leader, not a fence-sitting politician.
- Her fence-sitting response gave us no guidance.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a stakeholder or client delaying a decision between suppliers or strategies.
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing; may appear in political science or sociology discussing voter behaviour.
Everyday
Common for describing someone avoiding taking sides in an argument, family dispute, or social issue.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fence-sitter”
- Using it to describe a mediator (a mediator is active; a fence-sitter is passive).
- Spelling as one word: 'fencesitter' (standard is hyphenated).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be mildly derogatory, implying indecisiveness or a lack of courage to commit. However, it can also be a neutral description of an undecided person.
A 'moderate' holds centrist views actively. A 'fence-sitter' is defined by inaction and not having made a choice, regardless of where their eventual position may lie.
Yes, though less common. The phrasal verb 'to sit on the fence' is the standard verbal form. 'To fence-sit' is a valid back-formation.
Common advice involves presenting clear consequences for inaction, appealing to their values, or simplifying the choice to make commitment less daunting.
A person who remains neutral or refuses to choose between two opposing sides or opinions.
Fence-sitter is usually informal, slightly idiomatic. common in journalism, political commentary, and everyday figurative speech. in register.
Fence-sitter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfens ˌsɪt.ə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfens ˌsɪt̬.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sit on the fence”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a person literally SITTING on a FENCE. They can see both sides (yards) but their feet touch neither ground. They are stuck in the middle, not committing.
Conceptual Metaphor
NEUTRALITY/INDECISION IS SITTING ON A PHYSICAL BARRIER (THE FENCE).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most defining characteristic of a 'fence-sitter'?