Usage Note
Wankelmut is the quality of changing opinions, allegiances, or plans unpredictably. It is almost always pejorative; a Wankelmütiger (a fickle person) cannot be relied upon. Contrasted with Beständigkeit (constancy) and Verlässlichkeit (reliability).
Examples
"Sein Wankelmut in politischen Fragen kostete ihm das Vertrauen seiner Anhänger."
Natural Translation
His fickleness on political issues cost him the trust of his supporters.
Literal Translation
His fickleness in political matters cost him the trust of-his supporters.
Related Words
- Abgebrühtheit hardened cynicism, unshockable matter-of-factness
- Achtsamkeit mindfulness, attentiveness, careful awareness
- Ansicht opinion
- Arglosigkeit naivety, guilelessness, unsuspecting nature
- Argwohn suspicion
- Aufbruchsstimmung mood of new beginnings, pioneering spirit
- Aufsässigkeit rebelliousness, insubordination
- Bedächtigkeit deliberateness, careful thoughtfulness
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