remain noncommittal

Meaning

To deliberately avoid expressing a clear opinion, decision, or commitment. It is used in formal relationship, business, or diplomatic contexts when a party wants to keep their options open or avoid taking a definitive side.

Examples

• When asked about his long-term plans for the relationship, he chose to remain noncommittal.

  When asked about his long-term plans for the relationship, he chose to remain noncommittal.

• The diplomat decided to remain noncommittal until all the facts of the dispute were presented.

  The diplomat decided to remain noncommittal until all the facts of the dispute were presented.

• Although she liked the proposal, she preferred to remain noncommittal during the initial negotiations.

  Although she liked the proposal, she preferred to remain noncommittal during the initial negotiations.

• It is frustrating when a partner chooses to remain noncommittal about future family plans.

  It is frustrating when a partner chooses to remain noncommittal about future family plans.

• Throughout the interview, the candidate managed to remain noncommittal regarding her political views.

  Throughout the interview, the candidate managed to remain noncommittal regarding her political views.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ She remained noncommitted to the plan.

  ✓ She remained noncommittal about the plan.

  'Noncommittal' is the correct adjective for describing a state of avoiding commitment. 'Noncommitted' is less standard and usually implies a lack of dedication rather than an intentional avoidance of a stance.

• ✗ He remained noncommittal to answer the question.

  ✓ He remained noncommittal when asked to answer the question.

  'Remain noncommittal' is not typically followed directly by an infinitive verb. Use a prepositional phrase like 'about' or a temporal clause.

Related Expressions

Practice

• When pressured to choose a side in the family feud, Sarah decided to ___.

  💡 Avoid taking a definitive side.

  Show answer

  remain noncommittal

• It is difficult to plan a wedding when your partner continues to ___ about the date.

  💡 Avoid making a firm decision.

  Show answer

  remain noncommittal