But M-W added it in time for CMOS 17 (published in 2017). In CMOS 16 (published in 2010), “decision-making” was not yet listed in Merriam-Webster. (Most adjective forms, on the other hand, can be left open after a noun, even if they are listed in the dictionary with a hyphen.) In Merriam-Webster, our dictionary of choice, the hyphenated compound noun “ decision-making” appears as such, so it’s always hyphenated.
If you follow the link to paragraph 7.82, you will see that a permanent compound is a compound that’s listed in the dictionary in any form-open, hyphenated, or closed. Some permanent compounds hyphenated or closed (see 7.82).” Here’s what our hyphenation table says, under “noun + gerund”: “Noun form usually open adjective form hyphenated before a noun.
I know that the CMOS preference is not to hyphenate “noun + gerund” compounds, but in the case of “decision-making,” which appears with the hyphen in many dictionaries, would CMOS call for a hyphen? Thank you in advance!Ī.
