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vacillating

/ˈvæsəˌleɪtɪŋ/
IPA guide

Other forms: vacillatingly

If someone can't make up their mind, you can call that person vacillating. A vacillating student might not know whether to commit to a major in electrical engineering or in art history.

The word vacillating comes from the Latin vacillat- meaning "swayed." When you're having trouble sticking to a decision, you can be described as vacillating — meaning that you are swaying between two choices. The spelling of vacillating can be tricky to remember. But vacillating, like its definition "uncertain," has the letter c in it. And to remember the two ls, think about the word's meaning, wavering between two choices.

Definitions of vacillating
  1. adjective
    uncertain in purpose or action
    synonyms: vacillant, wavering
    irresolute
    uncertain how to act or proceed
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