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Indecisiveness: meaning, definitions and examples

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indecisiveness

 

[ɪnˌdɪˈsaɪsɪvnəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

making decisions

The quality or state of being indecisive; lack of firmness or ability to make decisions.

Synonyms

hesitation, indecision, uncertainty, vacillation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indecisiveness

Used to describe a general trait or character flaw where a person frequently finds it difficult to make decisions.

  • Her indecisiveness often led to missed opportunities and regret
  • The team suffered because of his leader's indecisiveness
hesitation

Used when someone pauses or is momentarily unsure about proceeding, often in a specific situation.

  • She felt a moment of hesitation before answering the difficult question
  • His hesitation before signing the contract was noticeable
uncertainty

Used to describe a state of doubt or lack of confidence about outcomes or facts. It often applies to broader situations, not just decisions.

  • Uncertainty about the future made everyone anxious
  • The uncertainty of the situation left them feeling uneasy
indecision

Conveys a temporary state of being unable to decide between options. It tends to be more neutral and situational.

  • His indecision about which job offer to accept was understandable
  • Indecision plagued her when it came to choosing a wedding dress
vacillation

Used when someone continuously changes their mind or wavers between options. It has a somewhat negative connotation.

  • His constant vacillation frustrated everyone involved in the project
  • The company's vacillation on policy changes caused confusion

Examples of usage

  • She was paralyzed by her indecisiveness when it came to choosing a career path.
  • His indecisiveness often leads to missed opportunities.
  • I can't stand his indecisiveness when it comes to making dinner plans.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that too many choices can lead to confusion and make it harder to decide.
  • People often feel regret after making decisions, leading to more indecisiveness in the future.
  • Indecisiveness can be linked to anxiety, as the fear of making a wrong choice can freeze someone in place.

Literature

  • In Hamlet, the main character's struggle to make decisions reflects indecisiveness, highlighting its dramatic impact.
  • Characters in novels often face critical moments where indecisiveness leads to significant plot twists or character development.
  • Indecisiveness appears in numerous storytelling forms, illustrating human conflict and the complexity of choice.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, decision-making is seen as a communal effort, impacting how individuals approach choices.
  • Certain societies prioritize consensus, which can lead to slower decision-making processes and feelings of indecisiveness.
  • Cultural values around individualism versus collectivism can influence how people experience and express indecisiveness.

Business and Leadership

  • Indecisiveness in leaders can lead to a lack of direction and decreased team morale.
  • Conversely, being decisive can boost a leader's reputation and strengthen trust among team members.
  • Business studies indicate that organizations often suffer when leaders are unable to make timely decisions.

Personal Development

  • Self-help resources often suggest techniques like journaling to combat indecisiveness by clarifying thoughts.
  • Mindfulness practices can help individuals become more aware of their decision-making process, reducing indecisiveness.
  • Indecisiveness can be lessened with practice by making smaller, low-stakes decisions daily.

Translations

Translations of the word "indecisiveness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 indecisão

🇮🇳 दुविधा

🇩🇪 Unentschlossenheit

🇮🇩 ketidaktegasan

🇺🇦 нерішучість

🇵🇱 niezdecydowanie

🇯🇵 優柔不断 (ゆうじゅうふだん)

🇫🇷 indécision

🇪🇸 indecisión

🇹🇷 kararsızlık

🇰🇷 우유부단함

🇸🇦 التردد

🇨🇿 nerozhodnost

🇸🇰 nerozhodnosť

🇨🇳 优柔寡断 (yōuróuguǎduàn)

🇸🇮 neodločnost

🇮🇸 óákveðni

🇰🇿 шешімсіздік

🇬🇪 გადაუწყვეტლობა (gadauckvetloba)

🇦🇿 qərarsızlıq

🇲🇽 indecisión

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,226 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.