irresolute

UK /ɪˈrezəluːt/ US /ɪˈrezəˌluːt/ Syllables: ir-res-o-lute

Pronunciation

Adjective C1 Advanced Formal

Unable to decide or commit firmly to a course of action.

Irresolute describes a person who cannot make up their mind or stick to a decision. An irresolute leader hesitates, changes course and avoids committing. The word can also describe a reply, a manner or a look that shows doubt. Close words are indecisive, hesitant, wavering, undecided, vacillating and uncertain. The opposite is resolute, which means firm and determined. Irresolute is formal and a little critical, so it is common in descriptions of leaders and of characters in books. The adverb is irresolutely and the noun is irresoluteness. It is made from the negative prefix ir and the word resolute, so it simply means not resolute.

"He remained irresolute about whether to accept the job offer, even after the deadline passed."

Example sentences

"The irresolute manager changed the plan three times."

Level C1
"She stood irresolute at the door, unsure whether to go in."

Level C2
"His irresolute answer did not calm the crowd."

Level C1
"The committee seemed irresolute after the vote."

Level C1

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms

indecisive hesitant

Antonyms

resolute decisive

Look-alikes and common mistakes

resolute : Resolute is the opposite: firm and determined.
indecisive : Indecisive is the everyday word. Irresolute is more formal and often suggests a weak will.
dissolute : Dissolute means living in an immoral way. It sounds similar but is unrelated in meaning.

Word family and forms

Forms: more irresolute, most irresolute

irresolutely irresoluteness resolute resolutely

Word partners

Words and phrases that often go with "irresolute".

an irresolute leader
irresolute and weak
an irresolute reply
an irresolute manner
stand irresolute
an irresolute character

Origin

Irresolute was first recorded in English in the late 1500s. It is built from the negative prefix ir and the word resolute. Wiktionary says it may also have been borrowed from French irresolu.

Checked against: Wiktionary, the free dictionary, Dictionary.com.

How to remember it

Ir means not, and resolute means firm. Irresolute is the opposite of firm: unable to decide and stay with it.

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "The _____ manager changed the plan three times."

Answer: irresolute

In your own words, what does "irresolute" mean?