indecisive

/ˌɪn.dɪˈsaɪ.sɪv/
unable to make decisions

She's so indecisive that she changes her mind five times before ordering coffee.

The person struggles to commit to a choice, even for trivial decisions.


general

Having difficulty making choices or decisions

The manager was indecisive about which project to prioritize, delaying the team's progress.

The manager's inability to choose caused delays.

He’s indecisive when it comes to buying clothes, always returning them.

His hesitation leads to frequent returns.

Often implies a lack of confidence or fear of making the wrong choice.

Collocations

indecisive aboutunable to decide regardingchronically indecisivehabitually unable to make decisions

Pro Tip

Avoid overusing 'indecisive'

Instead of saying 'She’s indecisive,' try 'She struggles to make decisions' for variety. Use synonyms like 'hesitant' or 'irresolute' to avoid repetition.

Gold Rule

Context matters

Use 'indecisive' for people or their behavior, not for objects. For example, say 'The committee was indecisive' (correct) instead of 'The decision was indecisive' (incorrect).

Word Origin

From Latin *indecisivus*, meaning 'not decisive', combining *in-* (not) + *decisivus* (decisive). First recorded in English in the late 17th century.

Usage Notes

Commonly used to describe people, actions, or situations where a choice is avoided or delayed. Avoid using it to describe objects or abstract concepts unless personified.

Word Breakdown

in-
not
prefix
+
decisive
able to make decisions
root
English Dictionary