vacillation

[ vas-uh-ley-shuhn ]

noun

1. an act or instance of vacillating. vacillating.
2. a state of indecision or irresolution.
3. unsteady movement; fluctuation.

Other Words From

• nonvac·il·lation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of vacillation¹

1350–1400; Middle English vacillacion < Latin vacillātiōn- (stem of vacillātiō ) a swaying. See vacillate, -ion

Example Sentences

When Lois is in the coma, there is a lot of vacillation between what she’s dealing with in terms of what's going on with the case and the trauma.

From Salon

It just captures this vacillation of the human experience so perfectly for me — like, I’m dancing, I’m driving in the dark.

From Los Angeles Times

The vice president had a reputation for being President Nixon’s attack dog and skewering political opponents as “nattering nabobs of negativism,” “vicars of vacillation” and “pusillanimous pussyfooters.”

From Washington Times

The vice president had a reputation for being President Nixon’s attack dog and skewering political opponents as “nattering nabobs of negativism,” “vicars of vacillation” and “pusillanimous pussyfooters.”

From Seattle Times

As Dr. Villatte noted, it’s the vacillation without a decision that’s the real anxiety maker.

From New York Times

Related Words

• hesitation