What does indecisive mean?
Indecisive describes someone or something that cannot settle on a choice or course of action. The word can apply to a person's wavering attitude, a decision that remains unresolved, or a moment in which alternatives seem equally attractive. In everyday use, it often carries a mildly critical connotation: an indecisive person may be seen as hesitating, delaying, or avoiding commitment. However, the term can also neutrally describe a rational response to genuinely difficult choices, especially when more information is needed. Inde-cision is the corresponding noun, while indecisively describes an action performed in a hesitant or unresolved manner. Indecisive is especially useful when the central issue is not the difficulty of the decision itself, but the inability or unwillingness to reach a firm conclusion.
adjectiveUnable to make a choice or reach a firm decision; wavering between alternatives.
- Unable to make a choice or reach a firm decision; hesitant or wavering.
"After considering every possible route, she remained indecisive and postponed choosing."
"The committee was so indecisive that it delayed approving the proposal for several weeks."
"Rather than making an indecisive choice between two candidates, she asked for more information."
The word names a familiar struggle: when every option is possible, the mind cannot settle on one.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does indecisive come from?
Indecisive was formed in English in the early 17th century from the Latin prefix in-, meaning “not,” together with decisive. Decisive derives from the Latin decisivus, related to decidere, “to decide, determine, or settle.” The same Latin root also appears in decision, decisiveness, and decisively, making indecisive a negative-form counterpart to decisive.
Related word forms
How indecisive is actually used
Neutral in register, though commonly mildly negative when describing a person: it can suggest delay, hesitation, or unwillingness to commit, rather than simple preference for careful thought.
Easily confused with indecisive
Indecision is the state of being unable to settle on a choice, whereas indecisive is an adjective describing a person, decision, or moment marked by that uncertainty.