undecided

Undecided is an adjective describing a person or outcome that has not yet been determined. It can refer to someone who has not chosen a course of action, or to a situation in which a decision remains pending. The term appears in everyday speech as well as in formal contexts where choices must be made, such as politics, consumer decisions, or policy development. In politics, undecided voters are individuals who have not yet chosen a candidate.

The word is formed from the prefix un- plus decided; decided derives from Latin decidere, “to cut off” or “to determine.” Undecided thus signals a temporary, reversible state of uncertainty rather than a fixed trait.

In decision-making, being undecided reflects a stage of deliberation. Reasons include information overload, ambiguity, conflicting goals, or concern about potential risks. Approaches to move toward a decision include clarifying objectives, limiting options, setting criteria, seeking trusted advice, and applying decision rules.

In legal or organizational contexts, undecided can describe a verdict or outcome that has not yet been reached, though terms such as pending, undetermined, or hung (for juries) are common. In culture, undecided language often signals openness to new information or a cautious stance toward change.