What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
undecisive
Example
She is undecisive about which college to attend. [undecisive: adjective]
Example
The team's undecisiveness led to a missed opportunity. [undecisiveness: noun]
hesitant
Example
He was hesitant to ask for a raise. [hesitant: adjective]
Example
The company was hesitant to invest in new technology. [hesitant: adjective]
Example
She spoke with hesitation, unsure of how to proceed. [hesitation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hesitant is more commonly used than undecisive in everyday language. Hesitant is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while undecisive is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between undecisive and hesitant?
Undecisive is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while hesitant is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.