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The Collaborative International Dictionary
Irresolution

Irresolution \Ir*res`o*lu"tion\, n. [Cf. F. irr['e]solution.] Lack of resolution; lack of decision in purpose; a fluctuation of mind, as in doubt, or between hope and fear; irresoluteness; indecision; vacillation.

Irresolution on the schemes of life which offer themselves to our choice, and inconstancy in pursuing them, are the greatest causes of all unhappiness.
--Addison.

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
irresolution

1590s, from French irrésolution (16c.), from ir-, assimilated form of in- "not, opposite of" (see in- (1)) + résolution (see resolution).

Wiktionary
irresolution

n. Lack of resolution; lack of decision or purpose; vacillation.

WordNet
irresolution
  1. n. doubt concerning two or more possible alternatives or courses of action; "his indecision was only momentary but the opportunity was lost" [syn: indecision, indecisiveness]

  2. the trait of being irresolute; lacking firmness of purpose [syn: irresoluteness] [ant: resoluteness]

Usage examples of "irresolution".

This gave to his plans and dealings in relation to the vicar a character of irresolution and caprice foreign to his character, which was grim and decided enough when his data were clear, and his object in sight.

This is the mind which makes a man suppress his hopes, which holds his apathies, which gives him irresolution when he should act and kills him before he has begun to live.

Finally, in the very fever of my irresolution, I made many of those motions with my body which men sometimes desire to do, but cannot, if either they have not the limbs, or if their limbs be bound with fetters, weakened by disease, or hindered in any other way.

Raymond had evidently vacillated during his journey, and irresolution was marked in every gesture as we entered Perdita's cottage.