Word

decision-making

noun C1

/dɪˈsɪʒən ˌmeɪkɪŋ/

Meanings

noun

the process of choosing what to do from different options, especially after careful thought

noun

the way a person or group typically makes choices, including how they use evidence, experience, and judgment

Definition

Decision-making is the process of choosing between options after considering information, risks, and goals.

Decision-making is the act or process of selecting a course of action from several alternatives. It often involves gathering information, weighing pros and cons, and predicting likely outcomes. In workplaces and everyday life, strong decision-making usually means being clear about priorities and taking responsibility for the result.

Examples

Good decision-making under pressure depends on clear priorities and a realistic view of the risks.
Her decision-making improved once she started separating assumptions from evidence in meetings.
I rely on decision-making frameworks when I need to choose quickly without overlooking key trade-offs.
Their decision-making stalled because the team kept redefining the problem instead of testing options.
Your decision-making will be more consistent if you document the reasons behind each choice.

Common mistake

Learners often write it as two separate words (“decision making”) when it is commonly hyphenated as “decision-making” before a noun (e.g., decision-making process).