Irresolution — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /i-ˈre-zə-ˌlüt/ ir·res·o·lute

Meaning & Definition of Irresolution

Irresolution (adjective)

  1. uncertain how to act or proceed, vacillating

Irresolution (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action

    "after a moment of anguished irresolution, I raised my rifle and fired at the charging animal"

    similar: faltering, fence-sitting, hesitance, hesitancy, hesitation, indecision, pause, shilly-shally, shilly-shallying, vacillation, wavering, wobbling
    related: delay, hawing, procrastination, waiting, arrière-pensée, misgiving, second thought, consideration, debate, deliberation, doubt, incertitude, indecisiveness, indetermination, uncertainness, uncertainty, avoidance, equivocation, aversion, disinclination, indisposition, reluctance, unwillingness, faintheartedness, shyness, timidity, timidness
    near: certainty, certitude, confidence, decisiveness, determination, firmness, resoluteness, resolution, sureness, alacrity, eagerness, readiness

Related Entry: Irresolute (adjective)

Irresolute is a different word from Irresolution. The synonyms below are for irresolute, not for irresolution.

  1. not certain about what to do; not resolute

    "He has been criticized as an irresolute leader."

    similar: halting, hesitant, indecisive, infirm, vacillating, wavering, characterless, effete, frail, invertebrate, limp-wristed, milk-and-water, namby-pamby, nerveless, soft, spineless, weak, weakened, weak-kneed, weakling, wet (British), wimpish, wimpy, wishy-washy, ambivalent, conflicted, equivocal, doubtful, faltering, questioning, uncertain, undecided, unsure, wobbly, flabby, flaccid, forceless, ineffective, ineffectual
    opposite: decisive, determined, mettlesome, resolute, unrelenting, certain, convinced, positive, sure

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Irresolution

The most common words with a similar meaning to Irresolution:

faltering, fence-sitting, hesitance, hesitancy, hesitation, indecision, pause, shilly-shally, shilly-shallying, vacillation, wavering, wobbling

Related Words for Irresolution

delay, hawing, procrastination, waiting, arrière-pensée, misgiving, second thought, consideration, debate, deliberation, doubt, incertitude, indecisiveness, indetermination, uncertainness, uncertainty, avoidance, equivocation, aversion, disinclination, indisposition, reluctance, unwillingness, faintheartedness, shyness, timidity, timidness

Near Antonyms of Irresolution

certainty, certitude, confidence, decisiveness, determination, firmness, resoluteness, resolution, sureness, alacrity, eagerness, readiness

Word Forms of Irresolution

Derived words: irresolutely (adverb), irresoluteness (noun), irresolution (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Irresolution

First known use: 1579

Frequently Asked Questions about Irresolution

What does "Irresolution" mean?

"Irresolution" means uncertain how to act or proceed, vacillating. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: uncertain how to act or proceed, vacillating.

What is another word for "Irresolution"?

Other words for "Irresolution" include faltering, fence-sitting, hesitance, hesitancy, hesitation, indecision, pause and shilly-shally. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Irresolution" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Irresolution"?

There are 39 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Irresolution". Common alternatives include faltering, fence-sitting, hesitance, hesitancy, hesitation, indecision, pause, shilly-shally, shilly-shallying and vacillation.

How do you use "Irresolution" in a sentence?

Examples of "Irresolution" in a sentence: "after a moment of anguished irresolution, I raised my rifle and fired at the charging animal".

Is "Irresolution" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Irresolution" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Irresolution"?

"Irresolution" is pronounced /i-ˈre-zə-ˌlüt/ and divided into syllables as ir·res·o·lute.

What is the origin of the word "Irresolution"?

First known use: 1579.

What is another word for "Irresolution" meaning "a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action"?

When "Irresolution" (noun) means a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action, synonyms include faltering, fence-sitting, hesitance, hesitancy, hesitation and indecision.