Decision Making vs. Decisionmaking vs. Decision-Making – Which is Correct?
“Decision making” is the standard form in American English when the term functions as a noun. “Decisionmaking” appears occasionally in specialized writing, but it is uncommon and generally avoided in polished prose. Use “decision-making” when the phrase modifies another noun, such as “decision-making skills,” and maintain that form consistently throughout.
Decision making or decisionmaking – Which is Correct?
Decision making is the preferred open form when referring to the process of choosing between alternatives. For example, you might discuss “effective decision making” or “group decision making.”
When the phrase directly modifies another noun, use the hyphenated form decision-making. Examples include “decision-making process,” “decision-making skills,” and “decision-making authority.”
Decisionmaking, written as one word, appears occasionally in academic, legal, business, and technical materials. However, it is uncommon in standard American English and may look like a spelling error to many readers. In polished general writing, choose decision making or decision-making according to its grammatical role.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the noun test: if you are naming the activity itself, write decision making as two words. If the phrase describes a following noun, connect the words with a hyphen: decision-making strategy.
Remember: We studied decision making, but We studied a decision-making strategy. Avoid closing the phrase into one word unless you are following a specialized style guide that specifically permits decisionmaking.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| decision making | Noun phrase | The process of choosing an option | Good decision making requires reliable information. |
| decision-making | Hyphenated compound modifier | Describing something related to making decisions | The company introduced decision-making guidelines. |
| decisionmaking | Uncommon closed compound | A less conventional spelling of the same concept | Use this form only when a specific style guide requires it. |
How to Use Decision Making
Decision making is a noun phrase that describes the mental, organizational, or practical process of selecting one option from several possibilities. It commonly appears in business, psychology, management, education, healthcare, and everyday conversation.
The open form is appropriate when the phrase functions as the subject or object of a sentence. It works in both formal and casual writing, although professional documents often use related terms such as “strategic decision making,” “ethical decision making,” or “evidence-based decision making.”
Example 1: Effective decision making helps managers respond to unexpected challenges.
Example 2: The training course focuses on decision making under pressure.
Example 3: Clear priorities can improve decision making across the entire team.
Etymology of the Word Decision Making
Decision comes from the Latin decisio, meaning “a cutting off” or “a determination,” and entered English through Old French. It is related to the Latin verb decidere, meaning “to cut off” or “settle.” Making comes from the Old English verb macian, meaning “to make” or “to do.” Together, the words describe the act or process of settling on a choice.
Related Concepts
Understanding compound nouns and compound modifiers makes it easier to choose between the open and hyphenated forms of this expression.
- Compound noun: A compound noun combines words to name a person, object, activity, or idea. In “decision making,” the phrase names the activity of choosing.
- Compound modifier: A compound modifier describes another word. The hyphen in “decision-making process” shows that the two words work together to modify “process.”
- Open compound: An open compound is written as separate words even though the words function together as one concept. “Decision making” is commonly treated this way when it is used as a noun.
- Hyphenation: Hyphens can prevent ambiguity in phrases used before a noun. “Decision-making skills” clearly indicates that the skills relate to making decisions.
Examples from Media and Literature
The concept of decision making appears across fiction, journalism, film, and nonfiction. The following examples show how the idea is commonly discussed:
- “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman: This nonfiction work examines the mental shortcuts, biases, and reasoning patterns that influence human decision making.
- “The Lord of the Rings” by J. R. R. Tolkien: Characters repeatedly face moral decision making when personal safety conflicts with responsibility and loyalty.
- “12 Angry Men”: The film demonstrates group decision making as jurors reconsider evidence, assumptions, and social pressure.
- “Apollo 13”: The story highlights high-stakes decision making as engineers and astronauts respond to a rapidly changing emergency.
- Business and political news: Reports frequently discuss executive decision making, public decision-making processes, and the effects of policy choices.
Decision Making Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Decision-making | The hyphenated form used when the phrase modifies another noun. |
| Choice | An option selected from two or more possibilities. |
| Judgment | The ability or process of forming an opinion and reaching a conclusion. |
| Deliberation | Careful consideration of an issue before reaching a decision. |
| Selection | The act of choosing one person, item, or option. |
| Determination | A firm conclusion or resolution about what should be done. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “decision making” one word or two?
The standard form is two words: decision making. Use the hyphenated form decision-making when it appears before another noun as a compound modifier.
Question 2: Is “decisionmaking” grammatically correct?
“Decisionmaking” is occasionally used as a closed compound, particularly in specialized writing, but it is uncommon and generally not recommended in standard professional English. Most readers will expect “decision making” or “decision-making.”
Question 3: Should I write “decision making process” or “decision-making process”?
Write decision-making process because the phrase modifies the noun “process.” The hyphen makes the relationship between the words clear.
Question 4: Is “decision making” formal or casual?
“Decision making” is neutral and suitable for both casual and formal contexts. More specialized alternatives, such as “strategic decision making” or “executive decision making,” may be appropriate in professional writing.
Conclusion
Use decision making as the standard two-word noun phrase for the process of choosing. Use decision-making before a noun, as in “decision-making skills” or “decision-making authority.” Although decisionmaking appears in some specialized sources, it is uncommon and best avoided in polished general writing. Pro Tip: Consistent, conventional spelling strengthens your credibility and protects your professional reputation.
