indecision

indecision — noun

1. the condition of finding it hard to pick one option from several possibilities,

1.nounB2
Definition

the condition of finding it hard to pick one option from several possibilities, especially when you keep changing your mind

Example

Mayumi's indecision about which university to attend kept her awake at night.

uncountable noun + 'about' + topic

After hours of indecision, Renata finally chose the blue dress for the party.

phrase: 'after hours of indecision'

Common collocations
  • paralyzed by indecision
  • a moment of indecision
  • a period of indecision
  • suffer from indecision
  • plagued by indecision
Synonyms
  • hesitation

    focuses on a pause or delay before acting, often shorter in duration than indecision

  • uncertainty

    broader term covering any lack of certainty, not limited to choices between options

  • wavering

    emphasises the act of changing your mind back and forth between alternatives

  • vacillation

    more formal; describes repeatedly switching between opposing views or choices

Antonyms
  • decisiveness

    the ability to make decisions quickly and firmly

  • determination

    a firm choice or purpose, without the doubt that marks indecision

Grammar Patterns

indecision about [something]

indecision over [something]

Usage Note

Often used with prepositions 'about' or 'over' to introduce the topic of uncertainty. The adjective form is 'indecisive' (e.g. 'an indecisive person'). Unlike 'decision', this noun is uncountable — you cannot say 'an indecision'.

Common Mistakes

I have an indecision about what to eat.
I am having trouble deciding what to eat.
'indecision' is uncountable and describes a continuing state, not a single moment of doubt.
She feels indecision about her future.
She feels indecisive about her future.
Use the adjective 'indecisive' after linking verbs like 'feel' or 'be'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These words all describe a lack of quick or firm choice, but with different nuances. 'Indecision' is a state of being unable to pick between options, often with visible back-and-forth. 'Hesitation' is a shorter pause before action — a person may hesitate for a second but then act decisively. 'Uncertainty' is broader and more internal; it refers to not knowing something rather than not choosing. 'Wavering' focuses on the act of shifting between options, like a scale tipping one way then the other. 'Vacillation' is a formal word for repeated, dramatic changes of mind. In daily speech, 'indecision' and 'hesitation' are most common: 'His indecision cost us the contract' sounds like a long struggle, while 'His hesitation cost us the contract' suggests one moment of delay.

hesitation ↗uncertainty ↗waveringvacillation

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • paralyzed by indecision
  • plagued by indecision
  • suffer from indecision
  • a crisis of indecision

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Formed from the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not') plus 'decision', which comes from Latin 'decidere' (to cut off, to decide). The word entered English in the 18th century from French 'indécision'.