indecisive

/,indi'saisiv/

Thân thiện

An indecisive shopper stands in the cereal aisle holding two different boxes.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not able to make decisions quickly and effectively: Describes a person who hesitates and lacks firmness in making choices.
   • Not settling an issue conclusively: Describes an event, action, or result that does not lead to a clear or definitive outcome.
   • Not clearly defined or distinct: Describes something that is vague, blurred, or lacks clear boundaries.

Usage Examples

• Describing a person:
  • He was too indecisive to choose a restaurant.
  • An indecisive leader can cause confusion in the team.
• Describing an event or result:
  • The battle was long and indecisive.
  • The meeting ended with an indecisive conclusion.
• Describing something unclear:
  • The map showed an indecisive border between the two regions.
  • Her feelings on the matter were still indecisive.

Advanced Usage

• "To be indecisive about": To be unable to decide on a specific thing.
  • She was indecisive about which career path to follow.
• "An indecisive moment": A point in time where the outcome is uncertain or unclear.
  • The election hung in an indecisive moment as the votes were recounted.

Variants and Related Words

• Indecision (n): The inability to make a decision.
  • His indecision cost him the opportunity.
• Indecisively (adv): In a manner that shows an inability to decide.
  • She answered indecisively.
• Indecisiveness (n): The quality or state of being indecisive.
  • The manager's indecisiveness frustrated the staff.

Synonyms

• Hesitant: Tending to pause or delay before acting.
• Irresolute: Showing or feeling uncertainty.
• Vacillating: Wavering between different opinions or actions.
• Ambivalent: Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas.

Antonyms

• Decisive: Able to make decisions quickly and firmly.
• Resolute: Admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering.
• Definitive: Serving to provide a final solution or to end a situation.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To be of two minds: To be unable to decide between two options; to be indecisive.
  • I'm of two minds about accepting the job offer.
• To sit on the fence: To avoid making a decision or choosing a side.
  • Stop sitting on the fence and tell us what you really think.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. not clearly defined
   • indecisive boundaries running through mountains
2. not definitely settling something
   • a long and indecisive war
3. characterized by lack of decision and firmness
   • an indecisive manager brought the enterprise to a standstill