The title refers to the protagonist's inability to choose in life.

Some used the term software crisis to refer to their inability to hire enough qualified programmers.

"But we did less well with the part that should have taken care of itself," referring to the company's inability to make timely payments.

"You don't feel very well either, apparently," I said, referring to her inability to determine the location of the bumps by touching them.

"It's getting very discouraging," said Stewart, referring to his team's inability to finish off good scoring chances around the net.

The author refers to Wren's "inability to take a strong personal stand, with conviction, where any real risk was involved."

Referring to her inability to get in touch with him, she wrote: "Please do not do this to me.

The "36ers Curse" refers to the team's long held inability to win games against teams who are either celebrating a milestone, or creating one.

This, again, refers to the superfluous man's inability to act.