Irresolute Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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irresolute

[ɪˈrɛzəˌluːt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

indecision

Showing or feeling hesitancy; uncertain.

Synonyms

hesitant, indecisive, indecisive, vacillating, wavering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
irresolute	When someone cannot make a decision or lacks firmness in their choices. Often used to describe a consistent inability to decide. He remained irresolute about which career path to take. Her irresolute nature made it hard for her to be a leader.
indecisive	When someone struggles to make decisions quickly and clearly. It often has a slightly negative connotation indicating someone habitually cannot make up their mind. He is so indecisive that it takes him hours to choose what to wear. Her indecisive attitude frustrated her colleagues.
vacillating	When someone repeatedly changes their mind about something. This implies a back-and-forth movement in decision making. The government's vacillating policies confused the public. He kept vacillating between attending college and starting a job.
wavering	When someone shows signs of doubt or lacks stability in their decisions. It reflects uncertainty and lack of firmness. She experienced wavering faith after the shocking news. His wavering commitment made his team doubt his leadership.
hesitant	When someone pauses before doing or saying something, usually out of uncertainty or nervousness. This term can also refer to reluctance. She was hesitant to speak in front of the large audience. He felt hesitant to invest in the new startup.

Examples of usage

She was irresolute about which career path to choose.
His irresolute behavior led to missed opportunities.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

weakness

Lacking determination or firmness; showing indecision.

Synonyms

hesitant, indecisive, indecisive, vacillating, wavering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
irresolute	Used when someone is unable to decide or is showing signs of uncertainty. It often implies a lack of confidence in making a decision. She stood irresolute at the crossroads, unsure of which path to take. His irresolute nature made him a poor leader.
indecisive	Used for someone who has difficulty making decisions. This term can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying a general weakness in decision-making. John is so indecisive that he couldn’t decide on a restaurant for dinner. Her indecisive nature often frustrated her colleagues.
vacillating	Describes someone who changes their mind frequently, often switching between different options. It's usually negative and implies a lack of firmness. His vacillating opinions made it hard to know where he stood on any issue. The company faltered under the vacillating leadership of its CEO.
wavering	Usually indicates someone who is hesitating between different choices, showing signs of losing strength or determination. It can be used in emotional or morale contexts. Her faith remained strong even when others were wavering. He was wavering in his decision to change careers.
hesitant	Appropriate when someone is pausing before they act or speak, usually because they feel unsure or reluctant. It can be used in everyday situations. He was hesitant to ask her out on a date. She gave a hesitant answer when asked about her plans.

Examples of usage

Her irresolute leadership style led to confusion among the team.
His irresolute attitude made it difficult to trust his decisions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Feeling irresolute can stem from anxiety or fear of making the wrong choice.
Individuals who are often indecisive may experience stress, impacting overall decision-making abilities.

Literature

In literature, characters characterized as irresolute often undergo personal growth, learning to make decisions.
Famous literary figures, like Hamlet, embody this trait, as they struggle with choices and their consequences.

Pop Culture

Many films feature protagonists who are initially irresolute, ultimately evolving into confident decision-makers.
Reality TV often highlights contestants grappling with indecision, which can add drama to the narrative.

Philosophy

Philosophical discussions on free will often explore the concept of being irresolute and its impact on human agency.
The state of indecision can reflect deeper existential dilemmas about choice and responsibility.

Origin of 'irresolute'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'irresolutus', which means undetermined or unsettled.
Its root, 'resolutio', conveys the concept of resolving or solving a problem.

The word 'irresolute' originated from the Latin word 'irresolutus,' which means 'not loosened' or 'firm.' Over time, it evolved to describe someone who lacks determination or is hesitant in making decisions. The term has been in use since the 17th century and continues to be relevant in describing individuals who struggle with making firm choices or commitments.