irresolute

adjective

ir·​res·​o·​lute i-ˈre-zə-ˌlüt How to pronounce irresolute (audio)
ˌi(r)-,
-lət
Synonyms of irresolutenext
: uncertain how to act or proceed : vacillating
irresolute legislators
irresolutely
i-ˈre-zə-ˌlüt-lē How to pronounce irresolute (audio)
-lət-;
-ˌre-zə-ˈlüt-
adverb
irresoluteness
i-ˈre-zə-ˌlüt-nəs How to pronounce irresolute (audio)
-lət-;
-ˌre-zə-ˈlüt-
noun
irresolution
i-ˌre-zə-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce irresolute (audio)
ˌi(r)-
noun

Examples of irresolute in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The prevailing sense among investors and market handicappers entering the month was to expect choppy, irresolute action full of potential scares. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2024 Showing signs of being irresolute can signal weakness that adversaries take note of. — Michael Poznansky, Foreign Affairs, 5 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of irresolute was in 1579

Rhymes for irresolute

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Browse Nearby Words

irresolute
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Cite this Entry

“Irresolute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irresolute. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

irresolute

adjective
ir·​res·​o·​lute (ˈ)ir-ˈ(r)ez-ə-ˌlüt How to pronounce irresolute (audio)
-lət
: not resolute : hesitant
irresolutely adverb
irresoluteness noun
irresolution
(ˌ)ir-ˌ(r)ez-ə-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce irresolute (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on irresolute

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for irresolute

Nglish: Translation of irresolute for Spanish Speakers

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