What does undecided mean?
“Undecided” describes a state of uncertainty rather than a lack of information alone: a person can be undecided because two options remain genuinely attractive, while an issue can be undecided because no decision has been reached. The adjective is especially common in political reporting, where an undecided voter or a close, undecided election matters to campaigns. It can also describe indecision, an unresolved outcome, or a question that remains open. In ordinary use it is neutral and practical, though repeated use in descriptions of one person can suggest hesitancy or difficulty committing. As a noun, “the undecided” collectively identifies people who have not made a choice. The word belongs to a useful family built on decide: decision, decisive, and undecided all foreground the act of reaching—or not reaching—a firm conclusion.
Unable to make a choice or reach a decision; not yet settled or determined.
"The undecided voter asked for more information before choosing a candidate."
The word can describe either a person's state of uncertainty or an unresolved question, decision, or outcome.
A person who has not made a choice or commitment.
"Both campaigns directed their advertising toward the undecided."
Usually used collectively in the plural as “the undecided.”
Normally used collectively in the plural to refer to people who have not made a choice or commitment.
"The candidates appealed to the undecided on the eve of the election."
The most candid answer can be three words: "I remain undecided."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does undecided come from?
“Undecided” was formed in English by combining the negative prefix un- with decided. The negated form has been recorded since the early 17th century, while decided comes through Middle English and Old French from Latin decidere, meaning “to decide” or “to determine.” Related words such as decision and decisive continue the same Latin root.
How undecided is actually used
Undecided is common in neutral formal and informal prose. In political contexts it frequently means not yet having chosen a candidate or option.
Easily confused with undecided
Undecided usually describes a person's current state of uncertainty, whereas indecisive more often characterizes a habitual difficulty in making choices.