vacillation

/ˌvæsəˈleɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · [vˌæsəlˈeʃən] /ˌvæsəˈleɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · [vˌæsəlˈeʃən] /ˌva-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce vacillation (audio)/ (ame, mw)

vacillation — 名詞

  • vacillationsingular
  • vacillationsplural

1. a pattern of repeatedly changing what you think or want, or the inability to com

1.名詞B2
釋義

搖擺不定

反覆改變立場、令人困擾的猶豫行為

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

例句

Femi's vacillation about moving to Lagos for the new role cost him the job.

Femi 對於是否要接受 Lagos 的新工作搖擺不定，最後失去了這個機會。

possessive + vacillation + about + decision

After months of vacillation, the council finally voted to repair the town's only bridge.

經過數月的搖擺不定，市議會終於投票決定修復鎮上唯一的一座橋梁。

temporal phrase introducing vacillation

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • 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).

常見錯誤

❌His vacillation lasted only a moment before he said yes.
✅His hesitation lasted only a moment before he said yes.
💡vacillation describes repeated or prolonged indecision, not a single brief pause.
❌There was a vacillation at the meeting yesterday.
✅The committee's vacillation delayed the project for months.
💡vacillation is an abstract pattern of behaviour, not a one-off event you can point to in a room.