decisiveness

/dɪˈsaɪ.sɪv.nəs/
ability to make decisions quickly

Her decisiveness in the crisis prevented further losses.

She made quick and effective decisions during the emergency.


formal

The quality of being able to make decisions quickly and confidently.

The manager's decisiveness helped the team meet the deadline.

The manager made prompt decisions that enabled the team to finish on time.

In business, decisiveness is often valued over hesitation.

Companies prefer leaders who act quickly rather than those who delay decisions.

Deals with the ability to choose a course of action promptly, often in leadership or management contexts.

Collocations

demonstrate decisivenessto show the ability to make decisions quicklylack of decisivenesshesitation or inability to make decisionsact with decisivenessto make decisions in a confident and timely manner

Pro Tip

Use in professional contexts

In resumes or job interviews, 'decisiveness' is a valued trait for roles requiring leadership or problem-solving.

Gold Rule

Avoid overusing

While 'decisiveness' is positive, avoid repeating it in the same context. Use synonyms like 'resolve' or 'assertiveness' for variety.

Word Origin

From Latin *decisivus*, meaning 'decisive' + *-ness* (suffix forming abstract nouns). First recorded in English in the early 19th century.

Usage Notes

Commonly used to describe leaders, managers, or individuals in positions requiring quick judgment. Often implies positive evaluation of the decision-making process.

Word Breakdown

decisive
able to make decisions quickly
root
+
-ness
suffix turning adjectives into abstract nouns
suffix
English Dictionary