irresolution

/ɪɹɛzəˈluːʃən/

irresolution means lack of resolution; lack of decision or purpose; vacillation. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 78 out of 100.

irresolution is pronounced /ɪɹɛzəˈluːʃən/.

Why “irresolution” is a great word

IRRESOLUTION — [Noun] A chronic lack of decision or firmness of purpose; the settled inability to commit to a course of action. From Middle French irresolution (modern French irrésolution), from the negative prefix ir- (a variant of in-) + résolution ("resolution"). Unlike "indecision," which often implies a temporary paralysis before specific options, or "vacillation," which describes the visible act of swinging between choices, irresolution is the deeper, stagnant condition from which such behaviors spring. It is the untouched application yellowing on the desk, the suitcase perpetually half-packed, the hand hovering over the chessboard until the opponent walks away—a quiet erosion of one's own future by the failure to ever truly make a choice.

Etymology

Probably from Middle French irresolution (modern French irrésolution), from ir- + resolution (“resolution”); compare Italian irresoluzione. By surface analysis, ir- + resolution.

noun

Lack of resolution; lack of decision or purpose; vacillation.“Again he paced the chamber; but an involuntary movement of awe and inquietude constantly led his eye towards the alcove. He drew near it with irresolution.”