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Irresolute

Hesitant; undetermined; indecisive

adjective

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Imagine This

The United Nations (UN) hesitates whether to step into the conflict between the United States and Iraq, because the two countries are still fighting and can’t resolve the problem.

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Sounds Like

ih-REZ-uh-loot

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Looks Like

Ir(not)_resolute(determined)

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Remember This

Ir- is a negative prefix meaning 'not'. Irregular means not regular; irradiate means to expose to radiation.

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Other Forms

irresolutenessnoun

irresolutelyadverb

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Connect With

uncertain, indecisive, hesitant, wavering, vacillating; opposite: resolute, determined

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Note

Irresolute describes a person or stance that is not decisively determined. Do not confuse with 'irresponsible' or 'irritable'; the common stem is 'resolve' meaning to decide or firmly determine.

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Study Deeper

Examples

The committee remained irresolute about the proposal, delaying the vote.
Her irresolute response frustrated both sides who demanded a clear commitment.

Synonyms

indecisivehesitantwaveringvacillatinguncertain

Antonyms

decisiveresolutedetermined

Etymology

From prefix ir- (a variant of in- meaning 'not') + resolute (from Latin resolutus, past participle of resolverē 'to loosen' or 'to decide'); thus ir-resolute literally means 'not resolute'.

Mnemonic

IR + RESOLUTE = NOT RESOLUTE. Remember that the 'ir-' prefix signals negation, turning a sure decision into hesitation.

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Irreverent

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Candid

adjective

Truthful and straightforward; frank, open, and not rehearsed.

Salvage

verb

To rescue or recover something from loss, damage, or ruin, or to reclaim usable material from discarded or damaged items.

Consign

verb

To deliver or hand over to another's care, custody, or control, often for safekeeping, shipment, or disposal; to assign or commit to a particular fate or course of action.