Indecisive vs. Undecisive — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 22, 2023
The correct spelling is "Indecisive," denoting a lack of decisiveness. "Undecisive" is an incorrect variation of the word. Indecisive means being unsure or unable to make decisions.
Difference Between Indecisive and Undecisive
Table of Contents
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Which is correct: Indecisive or Undecisive
How to spell Indecisive?
Indecisive
Correct Spelling
Undecisive
Incorrect Spelling
Key Differences
"In" typically means "not," making "Indecisive" mean "not decisive."
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 22, 2023
Think of "decision" and add "in-" for the negative form.
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Oct 22, 2023
Remember the phrase: "It's IN to be decisive; hence, Indecisive."
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Oct 22, 2023
There's no "un-" prefix in "decision," so it shouldn't be in its adjective form.
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Oct 22, 2023
Associate "Indecisive" with "indecision" – both start with "in-."
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Oct 22, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Lacking decisiveness; unable to make decisions firmly or quickly.
Same as Indecisive, but less commonly used.
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Oct 21, 2023
Common Usage
Widely accepted and used in various contexts.
Less frequent, seen in limited contexts or regions.
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Oct 21, 2023
Origin and Alignment
Aligns with common "in-" prefixed words in English.
Less standard variant of Indecisive.
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Oct 21, 2023
Linguistic Preference
Preferred in formal contexts and writing.
Sometimes seen as a nonstandard variant of Indecisive.
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Oct 21, 2023
Association with Other Words
Associated with words like "indefinite" or "indeterminate."
Lacks strong associations with other commonly used terms.
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Oct 21, 2023
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Compare with Definitions
Indecisive
Characterized by an inability to decide.
She was indecisive about choosing a college.
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Oct 22, 2023
Undecisive
Undecisive is an incorrect spelling of Indecisive.
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Oct 22, 2023
Indecisive
Not settling an issue or question.
The game had an indecisive outcome.
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Oct 22, 2023
Indecisive
Prone to or characterized by hesitation.
His indecisive nature led to missed opportunities.
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Oct 22, 2023
Indecisive
Prone to or characterized by indecision; irresolute
An indecisive manager.
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Feb 03, 2020
Indecisive
Inconclusive
An indecisive contest.
An indecisive battle.
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Feb 03, 2020
Indecisive
Not clearly defined; indefinite
Indecisive boundaries running through mountainous terrain.
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Feb 03, 2020
Indecisive
(of a person) Not decisive; not marked by promptness or decision.
They were all being very indecisive about what to wear to the party.
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Feb 03, 2020
Indecisive
(of a contest etc.) inconclusive or uncertain
The outcome of the race was so indecisive.
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Feb 03, 2020
Indecisive
Not decisive; not bringing to a final or ultimate issue; as, an indecisive battle, argument, answer.
The campaign had everywhere been indecisive.
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Feb 03, 2020
Indecisive
Undetermined; prone to indecision; irresolute; unsettled; wavering; vacillating; hesitating; as, an indecisive state of mind; an indecisive character.
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Feb 03, 2020
Indecisive
Characterized by lack of decision and firmness;
An indecisive manager brought the enterprise to a standstill
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Feb 03, 2020
Indecisive
Not definitely settling something;
A long and indecisive war
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Feb 03, 2020
Indecisive
Not clearly defined;
Indecisive boundaries running through mountains
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Feb 03, 2020
Indecisive
Not definitive or conclusive.
The election had an indecisive result.
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Oct 22, 2023
Indecisive
Lacking clarity or certainty.
The instructions were indecisive and vague.
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Oct 22, 2023
Common Curiosities
What is the root word of Indecisive?
The root word is "decide."
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Oct 22, 2023
What is the singular form of Indecisive?
"Indecisive" itself is in singular form.
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Oct 22, 2023
Why is it called Indecisive?
It's called "Indecisive" because it denotes a lack of decisiveness, with the prefix "in-" indicating negation.
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Oct 22, 2023
Which conjunction is used with Indecisive?
Conjunction use depends on sentence structure; any conjunction can be used if it fits the context.
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Oct 22, 2023
What is the verb form of Indecisive?
The verb form is "decide."
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Oct 22, 2023
Which vowel is used before Indecisive?
The vowel "i" is used at the beginning of "Indecisive."
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Oct 22, 2023
Is Indecisive a noun or adjective?
Adjective.
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Oct 22, 2023
Which preposition is used with Indecisive?
Commonly, "about" is used, as in "indecisive about a choice."
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Oct 22, 2023
Is Indecisive a negative or positive word?
Generally perceived as negative.
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Oct 22, 2023
What is the pronunciation of Indecisive?
It is pronounced as /ˌɪndɪˈsaɪsɪv/.
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Oct 22, 2023
Is the word Indecisive imperative?
No.
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Oct 22, 2023
Is Indecisive a countable noun?
It's an adjective, not a noun.
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Oct 22, 2023
Is the word "Indecisive" a Direct object or an Indirect object?
Neither; it's an adjective.
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Oct 22, 2023
What is the opposite of Indecisive?
Decisive.
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Oct 22, 2023
What is the plural form of Indecisive?
Adjectives like "Indecisive" don't have plural forms in English.
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Oct 22, 2023
Is Indecisive a collective noun?
No.
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Oct 22, 2023
How do we divide Indecisive into syllables?
In-de-ci-sive.
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Oct 22, 2023
What is another term for Indecisive?
Hesitant.
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Oct 22, 2023
What part of speech is Indecisive?
Adjective.
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Oct 22, 2023
Which article is used with Indecisive?
"An" or "the" can be used based on context, e.g., "an indecisive person" or "the indecisive student."
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Oct 22, 2023
Is Indecisive an adverb?
No.
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Oct 22, 2023
How many syllables are in Indecisive?
Four.
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Oct 22, 2023
What is the stressed syllable in Indecisive?
The second syllable: "de-."
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Oct 22, 2023
Which determiner is used with Indecisive?
Any determiner can be used based on the noun it modifies, e.g., "an," "some."
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Oct 22, 2023
How is Indecisive used in a sentence?
"She remained indecisive about her future plans."
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Oct 22, 2023
Is Indecisive an abstract noun?
No.
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Oct 22, 2023
Is Indecisive a vowel or consonant?
It starts with a vowel, but as a word, it contains both vowels and consonants.
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Oct 22, 2023
Is the Indecisive term a metaphor?
No.
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Oct 22, 2023
Is the word Indecisive a gerund?
No.
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Oct 22, 2023
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
