indecisiveness
UK[ˌɪndɪˈsaɪsɪvnəs]US[ˌɪndɪˈsaɪsɪvnəs]
n
the state of being unable to make a choice quickly and effectively
n
the quality of not being clear or definite
Morpheme Breakdown
in
decisive
ness
in
not
decisive
having the power to decide
ness
state or quality
Etymology
the word 'indecisiveness' is built upon the latin verb decidere, meaning 'to cut off' or 'to settle'. this literal sense of cutting through ambiguity evolved into the abstract meaning of making a final judgment. the prefix in- negates this capacity, creating 'indecisive' to describe someone or something lacking resolution. finally, the old english suffix -ness is appended to form the noun, encapsulating the abstract state or quality of being unable to settle on a choice.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + decisive (having the power to decide) + ness (state or quality)
in- (latin origin, a prefix meaning 'not'); decisive (from latin decisivus, from decidere meaning 'to decide', functioning as the core adjective); -ness (old english suffix, forming nouns indicating a state or quality)
Examples
his chronic indecisiveness made planning the project extremely difficult.
the report was criticized for its indecisiveness and lack of clear recommendations.
she overcame her indecisiveness by making a list of pros and cons for each option.