English Reference

Word

indecision

Phoneticsin·de·ci·sion, stress on the third syllable

US/ˌɪndɪˈsɪʒən/

UK/ˌɪndɪsˈɪʒən/

Uncountable noun

Definition

n. the act of not being able to make a choice or a decision. It often happens when you are unsure which option is better.

n. the state of being unable to make a decision or reach a conclusion. Often implies a lack of resolve or a failure to commit to a specific course of action.

Examples

“His indecision cost us the best deal on the house.”

“The committee's indecision regarding the new policy led to a significant delay in the project's launch.”

“While some view indecision as a sign of careful deliberation, it is often perceived as a lack of leadership that prevents an organization from capitalizing on emerging opportunities.”

Examples

simple

“His indecision cost us the best deal on the house.”

contextual

“The committee's indecision regarding the new policy led to a significant delay in the project's launch.”

complex

“While some view indecision as a sign of careful deliberation, it is often perceived as a lack of leadership that prevents an organization from capitalizing on emerging opportunities.”

Real-World Examples

“An epic tale inspired by Hitler's indecision about whether to invade Britain, Archer poured everything into it.”
BBC News 5 Oct 2026
“But for all the delay and indecision this is still the rule of law in action.”
The Guardian 9 Oct 2026

Etymology

From French indécision.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

indecision(B2)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Occasional
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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