vacillating

[ vas-uh-ley-ting ]

adjective

1. not resolute; wavering; indecisive; hesitating:

   an ineffectual, vacillating person.

   Synonyms: irresolute, hesitant

2. oscillating; swaying; fluctuating:

   a vacillating indicator.

vacillating

/ ˈvæsɪlənt; ˈvæsɪˌleɪtɪŋ /

adjective

1. inclined to waver; indecisive

Derived Forms

• ˈvacilˌlatingly, adverb

Other Words From

• vacil·lating·ly adverb
• non·vacil·lating adjective
• un·vacil·lating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vacillating¹

First recorded in 1805–15; vacillat(e) + -ing ²

Synonym Study

See fickle.

Example Sentences

We are a country, and a world, chasing its tail – vacillating between hatred, anger and a desire for peace.

From Salon

Throwing in with the CRM never stopped her from vacillating back and forth between her identities: Jadis and Anne, Alexandria and the authoritarian military.

From Salon

Whereas “The Homecoming” was noted for its claustrophobic machismo, here it’s the women who dominate the proceedings, vacillating between sisterly tenderness and bitter recriminations.

From New York Times

We hate vacillating on matters of major consequence.

From Seattle Times

The new tax evasion charges against Mr. Biden’s son build on a previous felony firearms charge, add heft to GOP leaders’ case for impeachment, and could help sway some swing votes that had been vacillating.

From Washington Times