Vacillations

Vacillations refer to the act of wavering or being indecisive; the inability to make a firm decision. It suggests a fluctuation between different opinions, courses of action, or states of mind. This instability can stem from doubt, uncertainty, or a lack of clear conviction. It often implies a repeated shift or oscillation, lacking a clear direction or consistent pattern. The term highlights the contrast between making a solid commitment and going back and forth, unsure of the preferred choice. A person experiencing vacillations might appear inconsistent or unreliable because of their fluctuating behavior. It emphasizes the process of uncertainty, doubt, and lack of a final commitment and can apply to actions, beliefs, or emotions, showing instability and lack of resolve.

Vacillations meaning with examples

• Faced with two equally appealing job offers, her vacillations between accepting the position in the bustling city and taking the countryside offer lasted for weeks. She agonized over the commute, work life balance, and potential career growth in each role before finally settling on the countryside role. This indecision was fuelled by the benefits of both, and her desire to weigh every aspect before making a final decision.
• The stock market's vacillations throughout the economic downturn made investment a risky proposition, making people uncertain of the best time to sell or buy shares. The shifting values made investors nervous, as the uncertain market conditions caused people to repeatedly change their minds. Their hesitancy to commit created an unpredictable financial climate with rapid gains and sudden losses influencing their actions.
• His emotional vacillations during the period of grief were evident to everyone around him. One moment he would be consumed by sadness, and the next he would be consumed by anger or apathy. The lack of consistency reflected the depth of his emotional distress. The swings in his demeanor mirrored the complex process of dealing with loss, making it difficult for him and those close to him to process.
• The politician’s vacillations on environmental policy caused widespread public mistrust. He promised stringent measures one day, and the next day appeared to reverse course. His inability to establish clear policies led to voters questioning his integrity. This instability in his approach highlighted his political strategy and revealed his uncertain direction, and affected the public's trust in the government.