Someone who is indecisive has trouble making decisions or choosing between options. An indecisive person might stand in front of the ice cream counter for ten minutes, unable to pick between chocolate and vanilla, then ask for strawberry, then change their mind again. They waffle back and forth, considering every possibility without committing to any of them.

Being indecisive is different from being careful or thoughtful. A thoughtful person weighs their options and then makes a choice. An indecisive person gets stuck in the weighing process, unable to make that final decision. When your indecisive friend suggests going to the movies but can't settle on which one to see, can't decide what time to go, and then wonders if you should do something else entirely, the whole plan can fall apart.

Indecisiveness can slow things down and frustrate others. Imagine trying to plan a group project with someone who can't decide on a topic, keeps changing their mind about their role, and second-guesses every choice the team makes. The opposite of indecisive is decisive: someone who evaluates their options, makes a choice, and moves forward with confidence.