IRRESOLUTE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does irresolute mean? 

• IRRESOLUTE (adjective)
  The adjective IRRESOLUTE has 1 sense:

1. uncertain how to act or proceed

  Familiarity information: IRRESOLUTE used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• IRRESOLUTE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Uncertain how to act or proceed

Context example:

the committee was timid and mediocre and irresolute

Similar:

discouraged (lacking in resolution)

infirm (lacking firmness of will or character or purpose)

unstable (disposed to psychological variability)

vacillant; vacillating; wavering (uncertain in purpose or action)

weak-kneed (lacking will power or resolution)

Also:

indecisive (not definitely settling something)

Antonym:

resolute (firm in purpose or belief; characterized by firmness and determination)

Derivation:

irresoluteness (the trait of being irresolute; lacking firmness of purpose)

 Context examples 

I knew that every minute was precious to me, yet I remained irresolute in what manner to commence the interview, when the old man addressed me.

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

There was such earnestness, such despair, in her manner that her words arrested me, and I stood irresolute before the door.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

When I came to you last week and found you alone, I came determined to know the truth; though irresolute what to do when it WAS known.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

He joined them; but, as if irresolute whether to join or to pass on, said nothing, only looked.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

Little Henry was in her thoughts, and a mixture of alarm and delicacy made her irresolute what else to say.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

We stood irresolute for a minute.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Holmes paused irresolute, and then he glanced back at the road which he had just traversed.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“For God's sake, my dear Doctor,” said Mr. Wickfield again laying his irresolute hand upon the Doctor's arm, “don't attach too much weight to any suspicions I may have entertained.”

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

He now furtively raised his eyes: he glanced at me, irresolute, disturbed: he again surveyed the picture.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

The rude plank door was ajar, but as Alleyne approached it there came from within such a gust of rough laughter and clatter of tongues that he stood irresolute upon the threshold.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)