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abulia

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /əˈbjuːliə/

KK: /əˈbyulēə/

noun
Definition

A condition where a person has difficulty making decisions or taking action on their own.


Example

The patient's abulia made it difficult for him to choose even simple options, like what to eat for lunch.


Conversation
Sloth A
I’ve been feeling really lost lately, almost like I have abulia sometimes.
Sloth B
That sounds tough. Have you talked to anyone about it?
Sloth A
Not really, I just don’t know how to explain this feeling of not being able to decide anything.
Sloth B
I get that; it can be hard to open up, but maybe sharing it could help you feel better.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
indecision
apathy
inertia
Antonyms
decisiveness
action
initiative
Root Explanation

Abulia is derived from the Greek "a-" (meaning without) and "boulē" (meaning will or intention). The term describes a condition characterized by a lack of will or inability to make decisions.

Memory Tip

Think of 'without' ('a-') will ('boulē') to remember that abulia refers to a lack of will or decision-making ability.

Visually Confused Words
tabula
kabuli
abelia
parabulia
aula
aglobulia
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