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vacillate

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
vacillate

To vacillate is to waver between different opinions or actions, unable to make up one's mind. Imagine someone standing at a crossroads, physically turning their head back and forth toward two different paths, unable to commit to either direction. This word is typically used in formal or intellectual contexts to describe indecisiveness regarding important choices. It implies a lack of resolve or a state of fluctuation, often suggesting that the person is going back and forth in a way that is visible or frustrating to others.

In conversation

Work meeting

Are we going with the new vendor or sticking with the old one?

Are we going with the new vendor or sticking with the old one?

The boss continues to vacillate, and it's stalling the project.

The boss continues to vacillate, and it's stalling the project.

Used to describe a leader's inability to finalize a decision.

Menu indecision

I really can't decide between the steak or the salmon.

I really can't decide between the steak or the salmon.

Stop vacillating and just pick one, the waiter is coming back!

Stop vacillating and just pick one, the waiter is coming back!

Used here in a slightly hyperbolic, humorous way to emphasize stalling.

Examples

  1. She vacillated between studying law and pursuing a career in music.

    She vacillated between studying law and pursuing a career in music.

  2. The committee vacillated for weeks before finally rejecting the proposal.

    The committee vacillated for weeks before finally rejecting the proposal.

  3. Investors are vacillating as they attempt to interpret the conflicting economic indicators.

    Investors are vacillating as they attempt to interpret the conflicting economic indicators.

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