Irresolute
/ɪˈrɛzəˌluːt/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Irresolute means not able to decide what to do because of doubt or fear. A person who is irresolute hesitates and changes their mind often. It shows a lack of strong will or clear choice.
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See It in Action
Showing hesitation or doubt in decision-making
- •She was irresolute about accepting the job offer.
- •His irresolute nature made it hard for the team to trust his choices.
- •When asked about the plan, he gave an irresolute answer.
Lacking firmness or determination
- •The irresolute leader delayed important decisions.
- •Irresolute behavior can cause missed opportunities.
- •Being irresolute often leads to confusion in difficult situations.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "irresolute" like "unsure" (A2 word), but stronger—more about not being able to choose or decide at all
- ✓Picture a person standing at a crossroad, looking left and right, unable to pick a direction, feeling stuck
- ✓It's the feeling when you want to do something but keep thinking “maybe yes, maybe no” and cannot choose
- ✓Sounds like "I-REZ-o-LOOT" → imagine someone trying to "lose root" (like losing their strong base) and wobbling without a clear path
- ✓Think of a story character who keeps changing their mind and never acts, always waiting for a sign
- ✓NOT like "confused" (not understanding), "irresolute" means understanding but still not deciding
- ✓NOT like "decisive" (quick and sure), "irresolute" is slow and hesitant in making choices
- ✓NOT like "indecisive" (very close synonym), but "irresolute" sounds more formal and serious about weak will
Try Other Words
- •Indecisive: unable to make decisions quickly (Use when talking about slow or weak decision-making)
- •Hesitant: slow to act because of doubt (Use when focus is on delay or caution)
- •Uncertain: not sure about something (Use when talking about facts or feelings, less about action)
- •Wavering: changing between choices (Use when someone moves back and forth between options)
Unboxing
- •Prefix "ir-" means "not" or "without"
- •Root "resolute" means "firm, decided, determined"
- •Etymology: From Latin "resolutus" meaning loosened or released, with "ir-" added to mean "not firm"
- •First used in English in the 1600s to describe lack of firmness or decision
- •Today used to describe people or actions showing doubt or weak will in decisions
Reflect & Connect
•Can being irresolute sometimes protect us from making bad decisions? When might hesitation be helpful?
•How does being irresolute affect relationships or teamwork in your experience?
Fill in the blanks
1.She was irresolute because she ___ between two good job offers and couldn't decide which to take.
2.An irresolute person often feels ___ when asked to make quick decisions.
3.Unlike a decisive leader, an irresolute one ___ important choices and delays action.
4.When someone is described as irresolute, it means they lack ___ or strong will.
5.People who are irresolute may ___ their mind many times before acting.
6.Irresolute behavior ___ confidence in others who need clear answers.
7.In difficult situations, being irresolute can ___ the chance to solve problems quickly.