indecisive
gb/ˌɪndɪsˈaɪsɪv/ us/ˌɪndɪsˈaɪsɪv/
B2
English
határozatlan, döntésképtelen, tétova, eldöntetlen, eredménytelen
B2
1
határozatlan
B1
Usage pattern:
[someone] is indecisive; indecisive about [something]
She is so indecisive that choosing a restaurant can take half an hour.
Annyira határozatlan, hogy egy étterem kiválasztása akár fél óráig is eltarthat.
I'm indecisive about whether to accept the job or stay where I am.
Bizonytalan vagyok abban, hogy elfogadjam-e az állást, vagy maradjak, ahol vagyok.
An indecisive buyer may need more time before agreeing to the price.
Learner examples
He is indecisive, so he asks his friends for advice.
Határozatlan, ezért tanácsot kér a barátaitól.
I feel indecisive about what to wear.
Bizonytalan vagyok abban, hogy mit vegyek fel.
Common mistake:
Use indecisive for a person who has trouble deciding; use undecided when a decision has not been made yet.
Meaning
unable to choose confidently
Collocations
indecisive person
|indecisive customer
|indecisive voter
|deeply indecisive
|chronically indecisive
|famously indecisive
|naturally indecisive
|indecisive about dinner
|seem indecisive
|feel indecisive
Synonyms
hesitant (emphasizes pausing or holding back because of uncertainty)
|
unsure (more general and often less critical)
|
wavering (suggests repeatedly changing between options)
|
irresolute (more formal; suggests a weak or uncertain will)
Antonyms
decisive (able to make decisions quickly and confidently)
|
resolute (firm and determined once a choice is made)
|
sure (confident about what to choose or do)
Themes
decision_making
|personality
|emotions
|daily_life
Definition
If someone is indecisive, they find it hard to choose what to do.
Not able to make decisions quickly or confidently, especially because of doubt or uncertainty.
B2
2
határozatlan
B1
tétova
C1
Usage pattern:
indecisive [action/response/leadership]
The company's indecisive response to the crisis damaged public trust.
A vállalat válságra adott határozatlan reakciója megrendítette a közbizalmat.
His indecisive leadership left the team waiting for clear instructions.
Határozatlan vezetése miatt a csapat csak várt a világos utasításokra.
The government looked indecisive after changing its policy three times in a week.
Learner examples
The coach made an indecisive move near the end of the game.
Az edző a meccs vége felé tétova lépést tett.
Her answer sounded indecisive.
A válasza bizonytalannak hangzott.
Common mistake:
Do not use indecisive to mean simply bad; it specifically suggests hesitation or lack of firmness.
Meaning
hesitant and not firm
Collocations
indecisive leadership
|indecisive response
|indecisive action
|indecisive management
|indecisive government
|indecisive move
|indecisive performance
|appear indecisive
|look indecisive
|sound indecisive
Synonyms
hesitant (focuses on delay or reluctance before acting)
|
tentative (suggests caution and lack of final commitment)
|
half-hearted (suggests weak effort or limited commitment)
|
wavering (suggests an inability to maintain a clear position)
Antonyms
decisive (clear, firm, and effective in action)
|
firm (not easily changed or weakened)
|
bold (confident and willing to act strongly)
Themes
behavior
|leadership
|business
|decision_making
Definition
An indecisive action is weak or unclear because no one chooses a clear course.
Describing actions, behavior, or leadership that shows hesitation and a lack of clear direction or firm decision-making.
C1
3
eldöntetlen
B2
Usage pattern:
an indecisive [result/outcome/vote/battle]; [event/result] is indecisive
The first round of voting was indecisive, so a runoff will be held next month.
A szavazás első fordulója eredménytelen volt, ezért jövő hónapban második fordulót tartanak.
The battle was indecisive, and both armies withdrew claiming success.
A csata eldöntetlen maradt, és mindkét hadsereg úgy vonult vissza, hogy győzelmet hirdetett.
The match ended in an indecisive draw that satisfied neither side.
Learner examples
The vote was indecisive, so they voted again.
A szavazás eredménytelen volt, ezért újra szavaztak.
The game had an indecisive result.
A meccs nem hozott egyértelmű eredményt.
Common mistake:
In many contexts, inconclusive is more common than indecisive for tests, studies, and evidence.
Meaning
not settling the outcome
Collocations
indecisive result
|indecisive outcome
|indecisive vote
|indecisive election
|indecisive battle
|indecisive match
|indecisive draw
|indecisive first round
|remain indecisive
|prove indecisive
Synonyms
inconclusive (the most common alternative for results or evidence that prove nothing definite)
|
unresolved (emphasizes that the matter is still not settled)
|
unclear (more general; may refer to lack of clarity rather than lack of decision)
|
deadlocked (suggests neither side can make progress or win)
Antonyms
decisive (settling an issue clearly)
|
conclusive (proving or deciding something with certainty)
|
clear-cut (having an obvious result or distinction)
Themes
outcomes
|politics
|sports
|conflict
Definition
If a result is indecisive, it does not show a clear winner or clear answer.
Not producing a clear result or decision; failing to settle a question, contest, or conflict.
Grammar
Dictionary form
indecisive
IPA
GB/ˌɪndɪsˈaɪsɪv/
US/ˌɪndɪsˈaɪsɪv/
Syllables & stress
in - de - cis - ive (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (cis)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: indecisive
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.