undecided

/ˌʌndɪˈsaɪdɪd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌʌndɪˈsaɪdɪd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌən-di-ˈsī-dəd/ (ame, mw)

undecided — adjective

  • undecidedpositive
  • more undecidedcomparative
  • most undecidedsuperlative

1. Still thinking about different possibilities and not yet able to choose one of t

1.形容詞B1
釋義

Still thinking about different possibilities and not yet able to choose one of them, usually because each option has both good and bad points — for example, a student who has not picked a university, or a voter who has not chosen a candidate.

例句

Tanvi is still undecided about which university to attend next year.

undecided about + wh-clause (which)

The committee members remain undecided on the budget proposal after hours of debate.

undecided on + noun phrase

同義詞
  • unsure

    Broader — can refer to doubts about facts or opinions, not just choices. 'Unsure' is also slightly less formal.

  • hesitant

    Emphasises reluctance or fear of making the wrong move, not just a lack of decision.

  • torn

    Informal. Suggests strong internal conflict between two equally attractive options.

  • ambivalent

    More formal. Describes having mixed or contradictory feelings, not just an unresolved choice.

反義詞
  • decided

    Having made a clear choice.

  • certain

    Free from doubt; knowing exactly what to do.

  • resolute

    Firmly determined; not easily swayed.

文法句型

undecided about [noun/gerund]

undecided whether [to-infinitive or clause]

undecided on [noun phrase]

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 2: sense 1 describes a person's state of mind, while sense 2 describes a matter or outcome. Frequently used with 'still' or 'remain' to emphasise the ongoing hesitation.

常見錯誤

❌I am undecided to join the club.
✅I am undecided about joining the club.
💡'undecided' takes 'about' + gerund, not a to-infinitive.
❌The weather is undecided tomorrow.
✅The weather forecast for tomorrow is uncertain.
💡'undecided' applies to choices people make, not to natural conditions.

2. Not having been given a final answer or result yet — for example, the outcome of

2.形容詞B1
釋義

Not having been given a final answer or result yet — for example, the outcome of an election, a court case, a competition, or any situation where the final result is not known because it depends on something that has not happened or been decided.

例句

The winner of the contest remains undecided until the final votes are counted.

remains undecided — ongoing unresolved state

Noa's application status is still undecided, so she checks her email every morning.

同義詞
  • unresolved

    More formal; often used for serious or complex matters like disputes or investigations.

  • unsettled

    Suggests discomfort or concern about the lack of resolution.

  • pending

    Formal. Implies that a decision or result is expected soon.

  • uncertain

    Broader — can describe a lack of knowledge about anything, not just outcomes awaiting a decision.

反義詞

文法句型

[noun] remains undecided

[noun] is still undecided

用法筆記

Subject is always a thing, event, or outcome — never a person. Common in news and formal contexts when reporting on ongoing processes (elections, legal cases, negotiations). Unlike 'pending', which implies a decision is awaited, 'undecided' simply states the absence of a result.

常見錯誤

❌The judge is undecided on the case.' (when meaning the outcome is unresolved)
✅The outcome of the case is undecided.
💡For sense 2, use 'undecided' about the matter itself, not the person deciding it.
❌The meeting time is undecided.
✅The meeting time has not been decided yet.
💡'undecided' works, but 'not decided' sounds more natural for simple scheduling.