indecision
C1Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
The inability to make a decision quickly or firmly; hesitation.
A prolonged state of doubt or wavering between choices, often leading to inaction or missed opportunities.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Refers to a state or quality, not an action. Often implies a negative trait causing frustration or paralysis.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Usage and frequency are nearly identical.
Connotations
Equally negative in both varieties, associated with weakness, lack of resolve, or over-analysis.
Frequency
Slightly more common in written than spoken English in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + indecision (e.g., suffer from indecision)indecision + [verb] (e.g., indecision plagued him)[adjective] + indecision (e.g., chronic indecision)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “paralysed by indecision”
- “torn by indecision”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Criticised as a leadership flaw; 'boardroom indecision cost the company the merger.'
Academic
Used in psychology or management studies to discuss decision-making processes.
Everyday
Describing difficulty choosing, e.g., menu items or holiday destinations.
Technical
Not typically a technical term; used in its standard sense in relevant fields.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adverb
British English
- He looked indecisively at the options.
American English
- She paced indecisively before the elevator.
adjective
British English
- The indecisive manager delayed the project.
American English
- Her indecisive nature made ordering dinner a chore.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I don't like indecision. Please choose a film.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: IN (not) + DECISION. Literally, the state of NOT making a decision.
Conceptual Metaphor
INDECISION IS PARALYSIS / INDECISION IS BEING LOST AT A CROSSROADS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'нерешимость' (nereshimost') which is closer to 'irresolution'. More accurate: 'нерешительность' (nereshitel'nost') or 'колебание' (kolebanie).
Common Mistakes
- Using as a countable noun (e.g., 'an indecision' – incorrect). It is uncountable.
- Confusing with 'indecisiveness' (the quality) though they are often interchangeable.
Practice
Quiz
Which word is closest in meaning to 'indecision'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In most contexts, yes, they are interchangeable. 'Indecision' often refers to a specific instance or state, while 'indecisiveness' is the habitual quality of a person.
Rarely. It is almost always negative, implying weakness. However, in some contexts, careful deliberation before a major decision can be wise, but this is not typically called 'indecision'.
No, it is an uncountable (mass) noun. You cannot say 'an indecision' or 'indecisions'.
'About' is most common (indecision about something). 'Over' is also used (indecision over the plans).
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