vacillatory

[ vas-uh-luh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

adjective

1. marked by or displaying vacillation:

   a vacillatory policy of action.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vacillatory¹

First recorded in 1725–35; vacillate + -ory ¹

Example Sentences

"I am such a poor, weak-minded, vacillatory being myself," said Georgina, still turning to Grenfell as most likely to appreciate her meaning, "that I really feel terrified in the presence of these great-souled creatures, who refuse to be stirred by the common motives of humanity."

From Project Gutenberg

Emboldened by the vacillatory attitude of the Powers, the Hungarians began a military offensive, invading Czechoslovakia and crossing the lines of the Armistice in Rumania and Jugoslavia.

From Project Gutenberg

While these vacillatory measures were going on at the viceregal palace, information was brought to the oydors, that the viceroy had drawn out his troops in the great square, with the intention of attacking them.

From Project Gutenberg

Why, my course here in the United States," said the Old Year—"though perhaps I ought to blush at the confession—my political course, I must acknowledge, has been rather vacillatory, sometimes inclining toward the Whigs, then causing the administration party to shout for triumph, and now again uplifting what seemed the almost prostrate banner of the opposition; so that historians will hardly know what to make of me in this respect.

From Project Gutenberg

Why, my course here in the United States," said the Old Year,— "though perhaps I ought to blush at the confession,—my political course, I must acknowledge, has been rather vacillatory, sometimes inclining towards the Whigs,—then causing the Administration party to shout for triumph,—and now again uplifting what seemed the almost prostrate banner of the Opposition; so that historians will hardly know what to make of me, in this respect.

From Project Gutenberg