irresolution
Chronic hesitation state
Irresolution is the state of being unable to decide or commit to a course of action.
It suggests wavering or hesitancy rather than firm determination: His irresolution cost him the opportunity.
The word carries a faintly negative connotation—irresolution is usually a weakness, not prudent deliberation.
Inability to choose
- indecisionFailure to decide
- waveringShowing unsteady resolve
- ditheringProlonged indecisive hesitation
- fence-sittingRefusing to take sides
shilly-shally · wishy-washy · oscillation · fluctuation · equivocation · undecidedness · fickleness · inconstancy
Conflicting emotional responses
- conflictedEmotionally at odds
- tornPulled into pieces
- of two mindsHolding two opposing views
- dividedSeparated into portions
split · dilemma · quandary · caught between · internal conflict · push and pull · uncertainty · contradiction
Temporary cessation of activity
- delayEnforced waiting period
- tentativenessState of being uncertain
- reluctanceDisinclination to act
- falteringBecoming unsteady or weak
stalling · second-guessing · hanging back · foot-dragging · dawdling · holding back · cold feet · diffidence
State of being unsure
- skepticismDisposition toward doubt
- questioningSeeking answers through inquiry
- misgivingUneasy feeling of doubt
- qualmsMoral reservations or unease
scruples · reservations · apprehension · trepidation · distrust · wariness · dubiety · incredulity
Lack of courage
- pusillanimityContemptible lack of courage
- faint-heartednessLack of resolve
- feeblenessLack of strength
- timidityFearful lack of courage
cowardice · gutlessness · weak-kneed · lily-livered · namby-pamby · unassertiveness · meekness · softness
vacillation
Inability to choose
- indecisionFailure to decide
- waveringShowing unsteady resolve
- ditheringProlonged indecisive hesitation
fence-sitting · shilly-shally · wishy-washy · oscillation · fluctuation · equivocation · undecidedness · fickleness · inconstancy · changeableness
mixed feelings
Conflicting emotional responses
- conflictedEmotionally at odds
- tornPulled into pieces
- of two mindsHolding two opposing views
divided · split · dilemma · quandary · caught between · internal conflict · push and pull · uncertainty · contradiction · tension
pause
Temporary cessation of activity
- delayEnforced waiting period
- tentativenessState of being uncertain
- reluctanceDisinclination to act
faltering · stalling · second-guessing · hanging back · foot-dragging · dawdling · holding back · cold feet · diffidence · timidity
uncertainty
State of being unsure
- skepticismDisposition toward doubt
- questioningSeeking answers through inquiry
- misgivingUneasy feeling of doubt
qualms · scruples · reservations · apprehension · trepidation · distrust · wariness · dubiety · incredulity · second thoughts
spinelessness
Lack of courage
- pusillanimityContemptible lack of courage
- faint-heartednessLack of resolve
- feeblenessLack of strength
timidity · cowardice · gutlessness · weak-kneed · lily-livered · namby-pamby · unassertiveness · meekness · softness
- indecisionindecision, indecisiveness, conflicted, hesitation, indecisive
- changeabilityvariability, mutability, fickleness, inconstancy, instability
- doubtdoubt, doubts, doubting, doubtful, skepticism
- unclearnessvagueness, ambiguity, obscurity, haziness, fuzziness
irresolutiondecisiveness
Ability to choose firmly
resolution · resoluteness · determination · firmness · resolve
irresolutionresolve
Firmness of purpose
determination · firmness · steadfastness · tenacity · perseverance
irresolutionalacrity
Eager and cheerful promptness
eagerness · readiness · promptness · willingness · initiative
resolve, resolution, resolved, resolute, resolving, resolutely, irresolute, resoluteness, resolvable