Words / C1

ind-i-SYS-iv/ˌɪndɪˈsaɪsɪv/

Indecisive means unable to make decisions, or (of a result) not settling the matter: an indecisive chair, an indecisive ballot. Decide (already in the dictionary) is the verb; a “watching brief” without a date is still a blank on the rota.

Meaning

Not able to make decisions quickly; of a result, not settling the question.

Examples

• “An indecisive chair still owes a minute; a mood in the lobby is not a ruling.”
• “An indecisive “watching brief” on the night spare is still a blank on the rota.”
• “Hesitant is everyday. Vacillating is harsher. A brief is talk. A named spare is cover. Write the name, or date the decision; do not leave the cell as weather.”

Good to know

Unable to decide, or not conclusive. Verb: decide (already in the dictionary). A watching brief ≠ a named spare.

Near in meaning

hesitant, inconclusive

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