noun
decision making
dih-SIZH-uhn MAY-king
Decision making (noun) means the process of considering options and choosing between them, especially as a skill or as a formal step in how an organisation is run. Example: “Fatigue has a measurable effect on decision making.”
noun
1
The process of considering options and choosing between them, especially as a skill or as a formal step in how an organisation is run.
"Fatigue has a measurable effect on decision making."
"The reforms push decision making down to local teams."
adjective
1
Having the authority or role of making choices. Normally hyphenated before a noun.
"She wants a decision-making role, not another advisory seat."
"Nurses were excluded from the decision-making process."
How to use decision making
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWorking out what to do and then choosing.
When to use it
Neutral; very common in business, medicine and policy writing.
Easily confused with
problem solving →
decision-maker
Common pairings
evidence-based decision making
decision-making process
shared decision making
decision-making authority
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Synonyms
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Rhymes for decision making
See all rhymes for decision making →Frequently asked questions
Is decision making hyphenated?
Hyphenate it when it modifies a noun: decision-making power, decision-making process. As a noun standing on its own it is usually two open words: good decision making takes practice, though some style guides hyphenate that too.
What is the difference between decision making and problem solving?
Problem solving is working out what could be done about a difficulty, which may produce several possible answers. Decision making is choosing which of those options to act on, and it applies even when there is no problem, such as picking between two good offers.
What is the meaning of decision making?
"decision making" (noun) means the process of considering options and choosing between them, especially as a skill or as a formal step in how an organisation is run.
What is another word for decision making?
Other words for "decision making" include judgement, choice, deliberation.
