irresolution
UK[ɪˌrɛzəˈluːʃn]US[ɪˌrɛzəˈluːʃn]
n
The state of being uncertain or unable to make a decision; indecisiveness.
Morpheme Breakdown
ir
resolution
ir
not
resolution
determination
Etymology
The word 'irresolution' is a relatively modern English formation, built upon the established noun 'resolution'. The core concept originates from the Latin verb 'resolvere', meaning "to loosen, release, or dissolve," which metaphorically evolved to signify "solving a problem" and thus "making a firm decision." By adding the negative prefix 'ir-', a direct borrowing from Latin, the word literally constructs the meaning "the state of not having a solution or decision." This logical compounding perfectly captures the abstract psychological state of indecision from the concrete idea of a problem remaining "un-loosened" or unresolved.
Analysis
Structure: ir (not) + resolution (determination)
- ir: A Latin prefix meaning "not" or "without". It is an assimilated form of 'in-' used before 'r'.
- resolution: From Latin 'resolutionem' (a loosening, releasing), itself from 'resolvere' (to loosen, untie). In this compound, it functions as the base noun meaning "the act or quality of being determined or decided".
Examples
His chronic irresolution made it impossible for the committee to reach a consensus.
A moment of irresolution at the critical juncture cost her the opportunity.
The report criticized the government's irresolution in the face of the escalating crisis.