vacillation
/ˌvæsəˈleɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · [vˌæsəlˈeʃən] /ˌvæsəˈleɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · [vˌæsəlˈeʃən] /ˌva-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce vacillation (audio)/ (ame, mw)
vacillation — noun
- vacillationsingular
- vacillationsplural
1. a pattern of repeatedly changing what you think or want, or the inability to com
a pattern of repeatedly changing what you think or want, or the inability to commit to one course of action — behaviour that others often find irritating or untrustworthy
Femi's vacillation about moving to Lagos for the new role cost him the job.
possessive + vacillation + about + decision
After months of vacillation, the council finally voted to repair the town's only bridge.
temporal phrase introducing vacillation
Vacillation by the health minister on mask rules frustrated doctors across the country.
Nora's endless vacillation between the city flat and the country cottage exhausted the estate agent.
The CEO's vacillation over the merger sent the company's shares tumbling last Friday.
- indecision
the broadest, most everyday term for being unable to choose; neutral and used in any setting
- wavering
close in meaning but more emotional — often about loyalty, faith, or personal commitment rather than practical choices
- hesitation
a temporary pause before acting; can be wise or cautious, unlike vacillation which is always a flaw
- irresolution
formal synonym stressing a chronic personality trait of never settling on a decision
- decisiveness
the quality of making firm decisions quickly
- resolve
steady determination to follow a chosen path
文法句型
possessive + vacillation + between + two alternatives
possessive + vacillation + on/over/about + topic
vacillation + by + decision-maker
用法筆記
Almost always carries negative judgement — it implies the person is frustrating others by failing to decide. Common in political and business contexts to criticise leadership. Typically followed by 'between' (two specific choices) or 'on'/'over'/'about' (a topic or issue).