indefinite
Americanadjective
-
not definite; without fixed or specified limit; unlimited.
an indefinite number.
- Synonyms:
- indeterminate, unspecified
- Antonyms:
- determinate
-
not clearly defined or determined; not precise or exact.
an indefinite boundary; an indefinite date in the future.
- Antonyms:
- specific, clear, determinate
-
Grammar.
-
Botany.
-
very numerous or not easily counted, as stamens.
-
(of an inflorescence) indeterminate.
-
adjective
-
not certain or determined; unsettled
-
without exact limits; indeterminate
an indefinite number
-
vague, evasive, or unclear
-
Also: indeterminate. botany
-
too numerous to count
indefinite stamens
-
capable of continued growth at the tip of the stem, which does not terminate in a flower
an indefinite inflorescence
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Other Word Forms
- indefinitely adverb
- indefiniteness noun
Etymology
Origin of indefinite
From the Latin word indēfīnītus, dating back to 1520–30. See in- 3, definite
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Intellectually, it is possible to carry on this process for an indefinite time: the only check on it is that sooner or later, a false belief bumps up against solid reality, usually on the battlefield.
From Salon
He was sentenced to indefinite detention high-security hospital by an Old Bailey judge.
From BBC
"It seems to be indefinite, so we're just sort of left in limbo, and up in the air, and don't know what's happening."
From BBC
Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, owners of ABC affiliates, said they would not air the series after Kimmel’s comments hours before the indefinite suspension was announced.
From Los Angeles Times
It is one of the most militarised societies in the world, with indefinite military conscription.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
